A resident of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison following a guilty plea in a federal court on charges of assault by striking, beating, or wounding. This announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV delivered the sentence to 28-year-old Quintin Owens. Additionally, Owens has been ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
Court documents revealed that on or around October 11, 2022, Owens violently assaulted his girlfriend, a fellow resident of Western Pennsylvania, during a cruise. The attack included punching her, throwing her to the ground, and choking her. The federal court claimed jurisdiction since the assault occurred on the high seas.
In addressing the court, Judge Stickman emphasized the serious impact of domestic violence on victims and reinforced the commitment to treating offenses seriously in federal court.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt. The investigation leading to Owens' prosecution was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.