Man indicted in attack on soldier at concert

The Columbus Dispatch ^ | October 14, 2004 | Dana Wilson

[flutters]

DELAWARE, Ohio — The man accused of attacking a U.S. soldier at a concert last month was indicted yesterday on a charge of felonious assault in Delaware County Common Pleas Court.

A grand jury found that Brent N. Cornwell, 28, of Blacklick, "did knowingly cause serious physical harm" to Army Pfc. Foster Barton on Sept. 17, according to the indictment.

Last week, Delaware Municipal Court Judge David Sunderman dismissed an assault charge after Cornwell’s arrest Sept. 28 so it could be refiled in Common Pleas Court, where felony cases are heard. The case will now be heard by Judge W. Duncan Whitney. An arraignment date has not yet been set.

Barton, 19, of Grove City, was knocked unconscious while walking to his car after a Toby Keith concert at Germain Amphitheater. He suffered a broken nose and is recovering from surgery to repair crushed cartilage.

The attack happened while Barton, a member of the Army’s 1 st Calvary Division, was home on a two-week leave from Iraq. He was recovering from a leg wound caused by a bomb.

Barton has said he was attacked in the parking lot after the concert. He wore an Operation Iraqi Freedom Tshirt, and said he heard his attacker say something derogatory about soldiers before he was struck.

Cornwell’s attorney, William Meeks of Columbus, did not return a phone message left yesterday at his office.

If convicted of the crime, Cornwell’s punishment ranges from two to eight years in prison, said Delaware County Prosecutor Dave Yost.

"Felonious assault is the right charge when you have serious physical harm," Yost said. "In this case, the victim had to undergo surgery to repair his broken nose. He lost consciousness and suffered a concussion."

Yost is handling the case personally. In recent meetings, the soldier told Yost that his "No. 1 desire is to get back to Iraq," where his unit remains stationed.

Barton needs his doctor’s approval before he can return, Yost said.

[freeplancer]

That is destruction of government property.

[glaseatr]

I wish I could have an hour with him.

Hog tie the little sh!t, hook him up to the back of my truck and take him for a walk. Stopping long enough to pour salt on the road rash before continuing down the road. Would I kill him?? NO!! but he'll have the scars for the rest of his worthless life.

[glaseatr]

I wish I could have an hour with him.

Hog tie the little sh!t, hook him up to the back of my truck and take him for a walk. Stopping long enough to pour salt on the road rash before continuing down the road. Would I kill him?? NO!! but he'll have the scars for the rest of his worthless life.

[DaBroasta]

May Cornwell be mercilessly raped in prison by a 300lb homicidal-homosexual who has syphilis.

[McGavin999]

I hope the guy gets the full 8 years without parole.

[Ken H]

Anyone heard about Cornwell's background?

At the risk of being called Mr. Obvious, I'd bet he's a union thug.

[flutters]

I don't know anything about his background, but here is what he looks like in orange:

[lesser_satan]

This piece of subhuman filth makes me wish abortion was retroactive

Is there any way this crapstain could be tried for a hate crime?

[Ghengis]

Cornwell has got himself one of the leading criminal defense attorneys in Ohio. He's a sharp lawyer with a very bad haircut.

[mugs99]

He looks good in orange. They should throw him in with the rest of his orange suited buddies in Cuba.
..

[donozark]

He better take his "Monica Selles tennis racket" with him when he goes to the Big-House!

[Woogit]

I too hope and pray this gets BIG coverage in OHIO, including his desire to go back to Iraq. GOD BLESS AMERICA'S FINEST!!!!

[meema]

Hard, fast and for many years!

[flutters]

I don't know anything about Meeks, but six people witnessed the attack and Cornwell's girlfriend is the one that turned him in.

[zygoat]

You are proof that turkeys are NOT stupid.

[Mark17]

Kick his butt into jail. Hard, and fast.

How about Leavenworth? They tell me it's hot there in the summer, with some GIs residing there too.

[LTCJ]

Cornwell has got himself one of the leading criminal defense attorneys in Ohio.

It would be interesting to hear how THAT came about. What's the background on this thug? Anybody know?

[elephant]

Ouch! : )

[R. Scott]

If convicted of the crime, Cornwell’s punishment ranges from two to eight years in prison, said Delaware County Prosecutor Dave Yost.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Ohio. What are the chances of his being sentenced to two years with 24 months suspended? I’d like to see him do the whole eight years.