Today, David Edward Ricker pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, a first-degree felony, as well as possession of a controlled substance and leaving the scene of an accident.  Pursuant to an agreement, Judge John F. Cherry immediately sentenced Ricker to serve a term of imprisonment of 5 to 10 years in a state correctional institution.  The defendant is not eligible for release before he serves at least 50 months of imprisonment and then only if he participates in certain rehabilitative programming.

          The conviction related to an incident on June 1, 2014, during which Ricker shot Trooper Michael J. Trotta several times with an AK-47 rifle at the defendant's home in West Hanover Township.  Trooper Trotta also shot Ricker multiple times causing substantial injuries.  On account of those injuries and to allow review of his medical records by the Department of Corrections prior to classification, Ricker will be allowed to surrender to begin his sentence on December 26, 2017.