Ronald Keith Davis, a 37-year-old state trooper from Pennsylvania, claimed to be suicidal on August 21, 2023, while he was not on duty. He used the Mental Health Procedures Act to get an involuntary commitment order for M.P.
Then he went to Weiser State Forest, where M.P. was camping on his land, and attempted to ar*rest her on his own. Kerry Teter, a civilian acquaintance, was with him and captured the interaction on camera.
The Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office released a video of Davis restraint and wrestling M.P. to the ground. He also placed his hands on her neck to stop her breathing and sat on top of her, despite her repeated requests for him to let go. M.P. is heard asserting that she is not insane, that she doesn’t require assistance, and that her only goal is to leave Davis alone. In addition, she calls him out for being a horrible person and abu*sing his power.
The Charges
On September 23, 2023, Davis was taken into custody and charged with official oppression, simple assault, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, and strangulation. His employment as a trooper at Troop L, which covers the counties of Berks, Lebanon, and Schuylkill, was suspended without pay. The Dauphin County Prison is where he is being held at the moment.
According to the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office, Davis assaulted and falsely accused M.P., who was subsequently detained for five days in a mental health facility, abu*sing his power and betraying the public’s trust. Additionally, the office claimed that Davis and M.P.’s text and video conversations demonstrate her reason and that the involuntary commitment was wrong.
The Background
The probable cause affidavit states that Davis and M.P. were intimately involved for approximately four months. He resides in Williamstown with his children, who are married to him. Through an online dating app, he connected with M.P., and in April 2023 they started dating.
According to the affidavit, M.P. wanted to break up with Davis because he became possessive and controlling of her. He allegedly told her that if she tried to expose him, he would make her look crazy and threatened to hurt herself or her. Additionally, it is said that he texted her, telling her to end it because she was useless and had no reason to live.
The family and friends of M.P. have expressed their shock and incredulity at what transpired. They claimed that she is a good-hearted and compassionate individual who didn’t deserve to be handled so poorly by someone tasked with serving and defending the public interest. They expressed their hope that M.P. would receive justice and that Davis would be held responsible for his deeds.
Brian Perry, Davis’s lawyer, stated that his client plans to enter a not guilty plea and refutes the accusations. He claimed that Davis acted in good faith in an attempt to assist M.P. because he was worried about her mental health. Additionally, he claimed that more evidence supported Davis’ version of events and that the video did not depict the entire story.
