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2 Constables Sentenced To Probation In Parking Ticket Assault Case

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Two constables convicted of attacking a woman over a parking ticket fine were sentenced to probation and have been removed from their positions for now.

"This is going to be a ripple effect on all constables and all law enforcement, as you can see law enforcement is being attacked across the board," defendant Michael Lowman said after the hearing that removed him as a constable. "The Superior Court is going to hear this case. It's going to be appealed, and we're going to go from there and see what happened at the higher court."

Before the hearing, both Lowman and constable Christian Constantini were sentenced to probation for their convictions on charges of simple assault, reckless endangerment, official oppression and criminal conspiracy.

Lowman was sentenced to four years of probation, and Constantini to three years of probation.

They were convicted of being too aggressive when they went to the home of Esther Peyton to collect an outstanding parking fine.

Before it ended, she was handcuffed and dragged out of the house by her legs, according to her testimony.

Judge Beth Lazzara didn't hide how she felt at sentencing.

"Part of me wants to put you in handcuffs," she said to both defendants. "What you did is simply ridiculous. You had training. There's no excuse for it."

Meantime, Constantini, who was removed earlier as a deputy constable, ran for the office and was elected. In January, he could attempt to take office, but the conviction will hang over him.

"It could affect his career for life," said his lawyer Allison Reynolds. "He could never be a constable again; he could never serve in law enforcement again. My client has a possible position as a police officer and this could impact that as well."

As of now, both constables have been removed from office, but if Constantini takes his elected office of constable in January, the District Attorney's Office plans to take action to remove him from office.

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