Try that in a MAGA town. PA couple allegedly beats woman after asking her ethnicity: 'This is MAGA town'

YORK COUNTY, Pa. — Authorities say a couple from York County is facing criminal charges after an alleged racially charged assault at a fraternal organization in Hanover earlier this month.

According to police, 62-year-old Richard Mitchell Jr. of Hanover and 51-year-old Sara Tresnak of York were charged in connection with a January 10 altercation at the Hanover Eagles, located along Park Street in Penn Township. Officers were dispatched to the club around 10:15 p.m. following reports of a fight.

When police arrived, they spoke with a woman who said she had been attacked by a man and a woman inside the establishment. Investigators later identified the pair as Mitchell and Tresnak.

The victim told officers that the encounter began with a conversation in which the couple asked where she was from. She responded that she was from Baltimore. They then questioned her about her ethnicity. She explained that her father is Black and Puerto Rican and her mother is Italian, according to court documents.

Police allege that the man made comments suggesting Hanover was a “redneck town” and told the woman she “wasn’t going to make it there.” The situation escalated into an argument. The victim reported that as she attempted to disengage and walk away, the female suspect grabbed her arm. Moments later, the male suspect allegedly seized her by the neck and forced her to the ground. Authorities say the woman then began striking the victim while she was down.

Charging documents state that the assault continued until bystanders heard the disturbance and intervened to separate those involved.

The victim told investigators that during the attack, the man used a racial slur and repeatedly told her she did not belong in the area, referring to Hanover as both a “redneck town” and a “MAGA town.”

The responding officer noted in the affidavit that the woman had visible scrapes, bruises, and cuts consistent with a physical altercation. Witnesses at the scene reportedly backed up the victim’s account of events.

After interviewing those present, police identified Mitchell as a member of the club. He later spoke with officers by phone and acknowledged being involved in the incident along with Tresnak, described as his girlfriend. Both individuals admitted they participated in the fight but claimed the woman initiated the confrontation.

Following the investigation, each was charged with one misdemeanor count of ethnic intimidation, along with summary offenses of disorderly conduct for engaging in fighting and harassment involving physical contact.

Mitchell and Tresnak are scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on February 17

Source: KFOX14