The leader of a vicious, Christmas morning 2015 assault outside a Lancaster city bar will serve at least a decade in prison.
Four men brutally beat a 30-year-old man outside Molly’s Pub on East Chestnut Street, but it was Raymond Lee III, according to the sentencing judge, who was the “principal actor” in control of the attack.
“You were going to be the judge, jury, and – but for the grace of God – executioner,” Lancaster County Judge Merrill Spahn told Lee. “Our law will never give you that right.”
Judge Spahn ordered Lee, 40, serve 10 to 20 years in prison for his trial conviction of aggravated assault and conspiracy.
First Assistant District Attorney Christopher P. Larsen, who won convictions of Lee and three co-defendants, called Lee’s acts “vile and disgusting.”
Larsen disputed Lee’s claim that his 10 children need him in their lives, saying Lee fled apprehension – leaving his family behind – for nine months after charges were filed.
Larsen said in his 17 years as prosecutor he’s never seen a more vicious assault. Video evidence presented to the trial jury showed Lee landing blows until the victim was unconscious. Lee then dragged the victim across a street, dumped him, and left him to die.
“It’s a miracle that he lived,” Larsen said as the victim’s mother wept in the courtroom gallery.
Judge Spahn pointed out that video showed Lee and his co-defendants “amused, enjoying [their] conduct” afterward.
The three co-defendants were sentenced Monday and received the following sentences:
- Anthony Maglietta, former owner of the bar, will serve 5½ to 11 years;
- Joshua R. Ellis, 34, will serve 5 to 10 years;
- Alexander Rodriguez-Cruz, 27, will serve 4½ to 10 years.
Francisco Camacho was charged in connection to the incident and pleaded guilty to robbery.
Lancaster city police Sgt. Michael Gerace filed charges.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright