Three men plead guilty to riot-related charges

By SUSIE XU
Collegian Staff Writer

Three more men pleaded guilty and two others entered no contest pleas Monday to charges stemming from the July 12 riot.

William R. Pfeifer, 23, of Kennett Square, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and rioting; Joseph M. Procopio, 21, of Chatham, N.J., to refusal to move on and disorderly conduct; and Penn State sophomore wrestler Kevin Shippos to disorderly conduct, according to court documents.

Those pleading no contest were Seth R. Porter, 20, of Fairview, charged with refusal to move on, and Timothy P. Logan, 21, of Amherst, N.H., charged with rioting, arson, risking a catastrophe, disorderly conduct, failure to disperse and criminal mischief.

Joseph Amendola, Procopio's attorney, said he is happy with his client's plea because a trial by jury might have created unnecessary complications for Procopio.

"We eliminated all the real threats Joe was facing," Amendola said.

All five men will be sentenced March 8.

Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar was not available for comment.