Police say a routine visit turned into a nightmare for a caseworker in Evans City on Tuesday when a client allegedly pulled knives, refused to let her leave and wound up in handcuffs.
Officers identified the suspect as 33-year-old Justin Michael Eppinger. He was arrested at the scene and the case is now headed toward a preliminary hearing next week.
Allegations In The Affidavit
According to an affidavit cited by the Butler Eagle, Eppinger allegedly grabbed a pair of kitchen knives and waved them to scare the caseworker during the visit. The document states he grabbed her by the neck, poked her in the stomach with a knife, pulled her hair and made sexual comments.
The affidavit also says Eppinger took the worker’s phone to keep her there longer. Police later found both of them inside an apartment on Main Street, where officers took Eppinger into custody.
Charges And What Officers Reported
As reported by ButlerRadio, Eppinger is charged with one felony count of aggravated assault, two counts of simple assault and misdemeanor counts of false imprisonment, terroristic threats and disorderly conduct.
According to that outlet, officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Main Street for a disturbance. Once on scene, police say Eppinger apologized and told them he had not taken his medication. He reportedly admitted to taking the caseworker’s phone because he was angry and wanted to extend the session.
Court Status And Custody
Per the Butler Eagle, Eppinger is being held in the Butler County Prison on $50,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on June 3 before District Judge Amy Marcinkiewicz.
The affidavit quoted in that report states that Eppinger has “done this” with other caseworkers, a detail that is now on the record as the case moves into court.
Worker Safety And Context
Threats and assaults against social service and caseworkers are a known occupational hazard. The National Association of Social Workers notes that health and social service workplaces account for a disproportionate share of on-the-job assaults and that many incidents are never reported. Advocates say protections and safety training for workers vary widely from one agency to another.
Next Steps
Prosecutors are expected to lay out their evidence at the June 3 preliminary hearing, where a judge will decide whether the case should be held for trial. Until then, Eppinger remains in custody at the county prison and the investigation remains active.
