CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Logan County man who beat up state Senator Richard Ojeda last May entered a plea bargain agreement with prosecutors Wednesday.
Jonathan Porter, 42, of Holden, pleaded guilty to unlawful assault. Three other charges against him were dropped as part of the agreement.
Porter told Kanawha County Circuit Judge Duke Bloom, who was appointed to preside over the case, that he punched Ojeda in the face knocking him out. Ojeda had to undergo several surgeries and was in the hospital for several days.
The attack, which Ojeda claims was politically motivated, came in the days leading up to last year’s primary election. Ojeda was locked in a heated primary with fellow Democrat, incumbent state Senator Art Kirkendoll. Ojeda upset Kirkendoll as he watched the returns from the hospital.
Porter faces 1-5 years in prison at his June 7 sentencing that will take place in Logan County.
Ojeda wanted the case to go to trial and is apparently not happy with the plea bargain.