WILKES-BARRE — A man who forced his way inside a Wilkes-Barre home and attacked a woman while holding an infant apologized and asked for forgiveness.
Omar Roche, 42, last known address as Edison Street, Wilkes-Barre, was sentenced Friday by Luzerne County Judge David W. Lupas to three to six years in state prison followed by two years probation on charges of burglary, aggravated assault and two counts of simple assault. Roche pled guilty to the charges Oct. 28.
Wilkes-Barre police charged Roche after he kicked open a padlock door to a home on Madison Street, and charged at his wife and her daughter while armed with a knife on Jan. 11, 2024, according to court records.
Roche was angered that he was evicted from the Madison Street house when his wife filed a petition for a protection-from-abuse order, court records say.
After he kicked in the door, court records say, he lunged at his wife’s daughter, slicing her hand with the knife. The woman was holding an infant at the time she was assaulted, court records say.
Officers arrested Roche after he ran out of the house.
During the sentencing hearing, Roche apologized and asked the woman for “forgiveness.”
I would like to apologize for everything that happened,” Roche said.
The woman said the assault “changed my life completely,” and the only way she can feel safe is Roche being “locked up.”
Assistant District Attorney Maria McCuskey prosecuted.
Attorney John Donovan represented Roche.