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Schuylkill County inmate attacked, robbed

A Tamaqua man who is jailed in Schuylkill County prison was attacked and robbed by two fellow inmates.

The incident happened on June 28, said Pottsville Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky.

The police were called to the jail, on Sanderson Street in Pottsville, by correctional officers.

Police learned that a 23-year old inmate said two other inmates, Trend M. Kopinetz, 23, of Pottsville, and Daniel L. Lopez, 22, of St. Clair, had entered his cell at 8:10 p.m. demanded his commissary food. When the Tamaqua inmate refused, both Kopinetz and Lopez began striking him in his face. As the man fell to the ground, Kopinetz and Lopez also kicked him in the face before fleeing with his food.

The Tamaqua inmate was taken to a medical facility for treatment of injuries sustained from the assault.

Based on the results of the investigation by Cpl. Charles Webber, a criminal complaint was prepared charging Kopinetz and Lopez with conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, theft, receiving stolen property, simple assault and harassment.

Both were arraigned by District Judge James K. Reiley on July 7, with bail being set at $20,000 cash.

Preliminary hearings are scheduled for both men at 11 a.m. Aug. 13.

Kopinetz and Lopez remain jailed. Kopinetz is serving time for theft and receiving stolen property. Lopez for criminal mischief and defiant trespass.