Published: May 19, 2008 11:38 pm      

DA drops charges against trooper

EBENSBURG — Simple assault and harassment charges in a domestic case against a state trooper will be dropped with the agreement of the woman, District Attorney Patrick Kiniry said Monday.

However, Kiniry said a temporary protection-from-abuse order against Trooper Eugene C. Jenkins Jr. of Blandburg will remain in effect until October.

Under the PFA, Jenkins must stay away from the woman. Jenkins also must not possess any weapons while the order remains in effect, Kiniry said.

Jenkins, 41, who had been assigned to the Hollidaysburg barracks, was suspended without pay after the charges were filed.

Kiniry said the issue of Jenkins’ employment as a trooper is being turned over to the state police. Prosecutors will forward all documents and evidence about the case to the state police, he said.

Although Jenkins is barred by the PFA order from possessing any guns, defense attorney Thomas Dickey said, “We’re going to try to get him returned to the job.”

Jenkins was accused of shoving hisgirlfriend to the ground twice around2:30 a.m. Dec. 26 during an argument outside a Reade Township home after a Christmas party.

The woman, who left the party in her own vehicle, went to Altoona Regional Medical Center’s emergency room for treatment of bruises and an injury to her left thumb, police said.

Dickey, of Altoona, said that witnesses reported the woman jumped twice on Jenkins’ back. She fell to the ground when he pushed her away, Dickey said.

“We always felt confident we would beat this at trial. We were surprised it passed at the preliminary hearing,” he said.