A Carbon County man admitted to assaulting another man in an unprovoked incident that left the victim with fractures to his face.

John D. Frohnheiser, 31, of Lehighton, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault in Carbon County court last week before Judge Steven R. Serfass. Frohnheiser’s plea was guilty, but mentally ill.

Prior to entering his plea, Serfass conducted a hearing on the defendant’s mental status and heard testimony from a mental health professional who said at the time of the assault, which occurred on June 17, 2018, Frohnheiser was mentally ill.

According to Lehighton police, the victim said he and Frohnheiser were helping another man assemble a pool when for unknown reasons Frohnheiser turned and punched him.

An officer saw Frohnheiser walking near Sixth and Iron streets. Frohnheiser said he was returning to the Peaceful Knights shelter on North First Street, where he had been staying at the time.

The officer met with the victim. He was bleeding from his nose and lip and complaining of pain in his face. He was treated at a hospital.

The officer then took Frohnheiser into custody and interviewed him at the Lehighton police station. Frohnheiser allegedly admitted to hitting the man and said he hoped he was OK.

Tests determined that the victim suffered a broken cheek bone, a broken upper jaw and skull fracture.

Serfass then ruled, based on the testimony at the hearing, which the commonwealth did not challenge, that Frohnheiser was mentally ill at the time of the assault, and accepted his plea.

Frohnheiser has been in the county prison since the day of his arrest.

Serfass sentenced him to serve 42 to 84 months in a state correctional institution. He has served little more than half that time and was given credit for 737 days.

He was also ordered to get both mental health and drug and alcohol evaluations, make total restitution to the victim and the victims compensation board of $12,231.29 for medical and related bills, must maintain daily medical routine, is subject to random tests, have no contact with the victim and pay court costs of about $1,000.

Serfass’ order also includes the recommendation to the state that Frohnheiser be placed in the state prison at Waymart, Wayne County, or other equivalent institution specializing in psychiatric care and mental health treatment.