ERIE, Pa. – A 29-year-old Erie man is facing serious federal charges after allegedly unleashing a firebombing attack on Erie police officers during the May 30, 2020, protests that rocked the city’s downtown. Tyvarh Nicholson was indicted by a federal grand jury this week, accused of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder and possession of an unregistered firearm/destructive device.
U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady didn’t mince words when announcing the indictment. “Throwing Molotov cocktails at Erie police officers is not the protected First Amendment activity of a peaceful protest; it is a criminal act that violates federal law,” Brady stated. “Make no mistake: if you attack police officers or commit violent crime under the guise of a protest, you will be indicted federally. We will not tolerate these acts in western Pennsylvania.”
The two-count indictment alleges Nicholson didn’t just participate in the unrest; he actively hindered law enforcement by throwing objects and projectiles at officers. Beyond that, authorities claim Nicholson was in possession of unregistered destructive devices – effectively, illegal weapons – on the same date. The specifics of those devices haven’t been publicly released, but the charges carry significant weight.
If convicted on both counts, Nicholson faces a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a hefty $500,000 fine, or a combination of both. However, the ultimate sentence will be determined by Federal Sentencing Guidelines, taking into account the severity of the offenses and any prior criminal record the defendant may have.
Prosecutors aren’t taking any chances. The government has signaled its intent to seek Nicholson’s detention pending trial, meaning he will remain behind bars until his case is resolved. Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is leading the prosecution, building a case based on the investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Erie Police Department.
It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation. Tyvarh Nicholson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But with charges this serious – involving attacks on law enforcement and illegal weaponry – the stakes are incredibly high, and the outcome of this case will send a clear message about the consequences of violent actions disguised as protest.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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