The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Local News

February 8, 2010

UPDATE: Woman pleads guilty to role in threats

By Matt Snyder

MERCER COUNTY — A Farrell woman pleaded guilty Monday to helping two jail inmates try to intimidate her sister into not testifying against the man who police said shot and tried to kill her.

Sylvia Ferguson, 30, of 815 Market Ave., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assisting in the intimidation of victims, said Mercer County Assistant District Attorney William J. Moder III.

Sheriff’s deputies said Ms. Ferguson got a call June 10 from Kevin Washington, 51, formerly of Sharon and Farrell, who was in jail. She patched him through to the victim, her sister, by three-way call.

Washington called on behalf of Antoine Williams, 30, Cleveland, deputies said. He is charged with attempted homicide for allegedly shooting the victim on May 2 in a chase that spanned both Farrell and Sharon.

She was shot in the hip and wrist, police said. A second woman was also grazed.

Ms. Ferguson referred to Washington as “dad” in her phone conversation even though they are not biological relatives, deputies said. Washington told the shooting victim to think about not testifying against “his boy,” meaning Williams.

Washington implied that “nothing good can happen” if the victim testified, and tried to convince her the police had no case if she didn’t show, deputies said. He also implied she could benefit financially for not showing up, and later discussed a payoff with Ms. Ferguson.

Williams and Washington are both charged with intimidating witnesses. Cases against those two were both continued on Monday. Washington is also in jail for three other cases that involve drugs, contraband, and fighting.

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