Westmoreland County assistant public defender suspended with pay after assault arrest

An assistant public defender in Westmoreland County was suspended with pay following his arrest this month in connection with allegations he assaulted a police officer.

According to records obtained Monday, all three county commissioners signed off on the indefinite suspension of David Mulock, 36, of Murrysville.

Mulock was charged Sept. 15 with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, resisting arrest and simple assault for an incident police said occurred in the parking lot at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Champion.

According to police reports, authorities said Mulock appeared drunk, initially refused to furnish identification, struggled with officers and resisted as they attempted to place him in custody. Police said Mulock kicked one officer during the confrontation, which occurred the night before the start of the annual three-day Westmoreland County Bench Bar Conference for local lawyers and judges.

Mulock serves an assistant public defender. For now, he will continue to earn his $54,000 annual salary while he remains on suspension. He was hired by the county in 2014 and previously worked as a law clerk for Common Pleas Judge Tim Krieger.

Chief Public Defender Wayne McGrew late last week declined to comment on Mulock’s status.

Mulock initially was jailed in Somerset County after his arrest. He was released the next day after posting a non-monetary bond.

on Monday, defense attorney Pat Thomassey said Mulock will seek help if it is determined he has a problem with alcohol.

“He’s a good kid, and he’s done a lot of good with the public defender’s office. He just had too much to drink that night, and he’s sorry it happened,” Thomassey said. “I’m hoping we can resolve it.”

Mulock is scheduled to appear Nov. 18 for a preliminary hearing before District Judge Sandra L. Stevanus in Somerset County.