Sussex County Prosecutor Francis A. Koch announced the entry of a guilty plea to an accusation before the Honorable William J. McGovern III, J.S.C., at the Sussex County Courthouse in Newton on Dec. 17th, by Briana Katzenstein.
Officials say Katzenstein, 28 of Newton, pled guilty to Attempted Aggravated Assault, a fourth degree crime, and Resisting Arrest, a third degree crime. In pleading guilty, the defendant admitted to attempting to cause injury to Ptl. Anthony Keiling of the Newton Police Department and using physical force against Ptl. Keiling to prevent arrest.
The charges are from an incident that occurred on Oct. 6th, after Newton Police officers responded to 33 Mill Street in an attempt to locate Douglas Hill, 22, of Newton, who had an active Warren County Prosecutor’s Office warrant and a Newton Municipal Court warrant.
Police say as officers were walking in the 6th floor hallway, they spotted Hill accompanied by Katzenstein exiting a nearby apartment. Hill was advised that there was an active warrant for his arrest but police say he became defiant.
Despite officers attempts to take Hill into custody, he became aggressive and resistant. While the officers cuffed Hill, Katzenstein allegedly kicked one of the officers in the face.
According to authorities, Hill and Katzenstein were subsequently arrested.
Officer Keiling sustained a minor injury to his left hand.
Sentencing is presently anticipated for February 1, 2019.