North Country Trio charged with plotting, carrying out assault in March

DIANA- A North Country trio is accused of plotting and carrying out out an assault last winter in Lewis County, authorities say. It happened on March 11 in the town of Diana, according to the Lewis County Sheriff's Office. Investigators say Justin L. Hartle, 26, of Harrisville, NY is officially charged with felony counts of attempted assault in the first-degree, criminal mischief in the second-degree and and conspiracy in the fourth-degree. Joshua R. Hartle, 31, of Harrisville, NY is officially charged with felony counts of assault in the second-degree, criminal mischief in the second-degree and conspiracy in the fourth-degree. Ronald J. Hartle, 56, of Gouverneur, NY was subsequently charged with felony conspiracy in the fourth-degree. Deputies originally responded to complaints of a disturbance in the Richardson Road area, where they reportedly found three smashed vehicles and a male suffering from a laceration to his head, along with a displaced nasal bone fracture. Police investigation suggests that Justin had lured the victim to that area, where he was waiting with Joshua. Text message and phone call evidence obtained by police supports this. Joshua and Justin were arraigned and held on $10,000 cash bail. Ronald was released with an appearance ticket. The arrests took place on May 23 and May 30. No additional details were provided.