Suspect in branding of Struthers teen booked into jail

A Mahoning County Sheriff's Department employee is free on bond after being booked into the county jail for her alleged part in branding the skin of a 17-year-old boy.

Appearing in common pleas court on Thursday, bond was set at $3,085 dollars for 46-year-old Laurie Lyden of Struthers, who is charged with Endangering Children and Corrupting Another with Drugs.

Authorities say that the Sheriff's department secretary made a video recording of Derrick Reber being repeatedly branded on the thigh last month at a home in Struthers. According to the indictment, Lyden then offered the teen marijuana and drugs to ease the pain.

Investigators say the video shows two men restraining Reber as a third man branded him.

While the person who allegedly administered the branding has yet to be charged, Bryan Pryjma, 38, of Struthers has been indicted on charges of Endangering Children, Corrupting Another with Drugs and Felonious Assault.

Ronald Bier, 35, also of Struthers, is charged with Endangering Children and Felonious Assault.

Both men have been issued summons to appear for arraignment on the charges Tuesday morning.

Lyden has been placed on administrative leave from her job pending the outcome of the case against her.