Former County Lawman Found Guilty

A former Bucks County sheriff's deputy was found guilty in county court on charges of simple assault and perjury, according to records.

The where Gary Browndorf, of Morrisville, attacked a handcuffed suspect, who was wanted for violating the conditions of his DUI sentence. The 56-year-old deputy also attacked the suspect's girlfriend. It was determined Browndorf later lied to investigators about the incident, the Bucks County Courier Times reported.

Philip Romanek, 29, and his girlfriend, Samantha Doneker, 36, testified in court that Browndorf assaulted the 29-year-old after he was already in custody. The allegation was backed up by testimony from another deputy who witnessed the incident, Philly.com reported. 

After the guilty verdict was handed down Friday afternoon, Judge John Braxton set bail for Browndorf at $50,000. As of Sunday morning, court records indicate, Browndorf has not posted bail.

A sentencing for the 56-year-old is set for September.

Browndof's employment as a sergeant with the Buck County Sheriff's Department ceased shortly after the July 2011 incident came to light.

Three other deputies who witnessed the assault and did not report it were fired from their county jobs in February, Philly.com also reported.

In Pennsylvania, sheriffs provide a security presence in county buildings and courtrooms, assists in serving civil papers, transport prisoners and can only make arrest related to breaches of the peace that occur in their presence.