Eldred Woman Charged with Strangulation, Assault
ELDRED, Pa. — Mary Kay Lawton, 38, of Eldred, is facing multiple charges, including strangulation and simple assault, following an incident on May 18, 2026. According to court records, Lawton was arrested by Trooper Timothy W. Mix of the Lewis Run PSP and is being held at the McKean County Prison, unable to post $30,000 monetary bail.
The charges against Lawton include one count of strangulation, a felony of the second degree, in violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 2718(a)(1); one count of simple assault, a misdemeanor of the second degree, in violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 2701(a)(1); one count of harassment, a summary offense, in violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 2709(a)(1); and one count of disorderly conduct, a summary offense, in violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 5503(a)(1). All charges stem from an incident that occurred on May 18, 2026, in Eldred Township, McKean County.
Lawton’s case is currently active and awaiting a preliminary hearing, scheduled for May 21, 2026, at 8:30 am before Magisterial District Judge Richard W. Luther Jr. A preliminary arraignment was held on May 18, 2026, at 10:27 am. The McKean County District Attorney’s Office is representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in this matter.
It is important to note that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The prosecuting authority, in this case, the McKean County District Attorney’s Office, will proceed with the case, presenting evidence and arguments to establish Lawton’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This article was generated based on publicly available court docket information. While we strive for accuracy, the content may contain errors or omissions. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For official court records and legal guidance, please consult the appropriate court or legal professional.
