A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has indicted a Pittsburgh man on contempt of court and assault charges after he was accused of striking his own attorney in court last summer, acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti has announced.

According to the three-count indictment, James Taric Byrd, 46, Pittsburgh, allegedly struck his own attorney in a federal court room in Pittsburgh on July 18.

He also faces federal charges of assault by striking, beating or wounding.

There is no maximum sentence or fine for the contempt charges, according to Rivetti.

Under federal sentencing guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

U.S. Marshals conducted the investigation leading to the indictment. Assistant U.S. Attorney DeMarr W. Moulton is prosecuting the case.

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