State police say Mikhail Austin Newburg, 27, of Pine Grove, and Cassaundra Marie Smith, 30, of Pine Grove, were both charged in connection with an incident that left a man hospitalized with head injuries.
Charges Filed
Newburg was charged with:
- Aggravated Assault – Attempts to Cause or Causes Bodily Injury with a Deadly Weapon (F2)
- Simple Assault (M2)
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person (M2)
- Make Repairs/Sell/Etc. Offensive Weapons (M1)
- Simple Assault (M2)
- Harassment – Subject Other to Physical Contact (Summary)
Smith was charged with:
- Aggravated Assault – Attempts to Cause or Causes Bodily Injury with a Deadly Weapon (F2)
- Simple Assault (M2)
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person (M2)
- Simple Assault (M2)
- Harassment – Subject Other to Physical Contact (Summary)
According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by State Police, Troopers were dispatched at approximately 4:27 p.m. to Dominic’s Pizza Restaurant along East Pottsville Street in Pine Grove Borough after a report of an assault that allegedly occurred at a residence on Whispering Pines Boulevard in Pine Grove Township.
At the restaurant, troopers interviewed the victim, who was observed with a bleeding and severely swollen forehead, blood on his face, and bloodstains on his clothing. The victim told police he fled the residence after being assaulted and drove himself to the restaurant to call 911.
The victim alleged that after returning to the residence at Smith’s request, he was confronted by Newburg inside the home. He reported being bear-hugged, thrown to the floor near the staircase, and struck multiple times in the head and upper body with silver brass knuckles. He then fled the residence and sought help.
Pine Grove EMS transported the victim to Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital for medical treatment.
Troopers later obtained and executed a search warrant for the residence. During the search, police reported seizing silver brass knuckles, the victim’s cell phone and wallet, and locating both suspects inside the home.
Newburg and Smith were taken into custody without incident and transported to the Pennsylvania State Police Schuylkill Haven Barracks for interviews. Both provided statements to investigators after being advised of their rights.
Both defendants were arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker. Bail was set at $50,000 straight cash for each defendant.Newburg and Smith were committed to Schuylkill County Prison, where they remain pending further court proceedings.