On Thursday, former Pittsburgh Public Schools chief of staff Lamar Blackwell appeared before a Allegheny County judge for a review hearing on his anger‑management program. The hearing, held at the South Side courthouse, was intended to verify that Blackwell is complying with the court‑ordered classes that were part of a negotiated resolution to the criminal case against him.
Background of the case
Blackwell resigned from his district position in July after police responded to a domestic‑incident call at his South Side home in April. According to the police report, Blackwell’s girlfriend alleged that he grabbed and choked her during an argument, leaving a visible red mark on her cheek. Blackwell denied the allegation, claiming his girlfriend threatened to involve police to damage his career and that no physical contact occurred.
The incident resulted in two charges: simple assault and strangulation. Rather than proceed to a full trial, Blackwell’s counsel, Steve Townsend, negotiated a deal that required the former administrator to enroll in an anger‑management program. Townsend explained that Blackwell “took the high road” by agreeing to the classes and that the agreement was designed to keep the matter low‑key and avoid a protracted court battle that would have drawn unnecessary attention to the school district.
Attorney’s comments on the hearing
“He’s taken the classes, and the case will be dismissed,” Townsend told the court. He added that the arrangement was reached months ago, emphasizing that Blackwell chose the educational path over a lengthy legal process. “He didn’t want to put the school district through that,” Townsend said, noting that the former chief of staff’s resignation was not solely because of the criminal case.
Townsend also indicated that the charges are expected to be dismissed in January, pending the court’s final review of Blackwell’s compliance with the program. The attorney stressed that the decision reflects Blackwell’s willingness to address the issue responsibly and move forward.
District response
Pittsburgh Public Schools declined to comment on the matter, noting that Blackwell is no longer an employee of the district. The school system’s silence underscores a desire to keep the focus on the legal process rather than on internal personnel matters.
Legal context
Under Pennsylvania law, simple assault and strangulation are misdemeanor offenses that can carry fines, probation, and, in some cases, short jail terms. Courts often allow defendants to complete anger‑management or other rehabilitative programs in lieu of harsher penalties, especially when the defendant shows genuine remorse and a willingness to change.
In Blackwell’s case, the negotiated agreement aligns with that approach, offering a path to resolution that avoids a drawn‑out trial and potential disruption to the school district’s operations. The upcoming January decision will determine whether the charges are formally dismissed, concluding the legal chapter for the former administrator.
Community perspective
Local residents and parents have expressed a range of reactions, from concern over the alleged domestic incident to appreciation for a process that emphasizes rehabilitation over punitive measures. Community leaders have reiterated the importance of safe, respectful environments both at home and in schools, urging all parties to uphold personal responsibility and the rule of law.
As the hearing concludes, the focus now shifts to the final court review and the broader message that accountability and corrective action remain central to Pennsylvania’s criminal‑justice system.
Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.
