Penn State Student Sentenced in Connection with WTAJ-TV Van Toppling During Riot

A Penn State student was sentenced in connection with his role in tipping the WTAJ-TV news van during the Nov. 9 riots, after former head coach Joe Paterno was let go.

Gabriel Revnew, 20, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, but his felony charges – riot, tampering with property, and damaging property – were dropped as a part of his plea deal, Assistant District Attorney Sean McGraw said on Tuesday.

On Nov. 9, Revnew was recorded in a video – that police used to help identify him – as part of the crowd that pushed over WTAJ’s new van, McGraw said. Then, Revnew ran around the other side of the van and began jumping on the microwave dish and antenna before punching through the windshield, McGraw said.

Revnew was taken to Mount Nittany Medical Center for treatment, where McGraw said he was overheard talking about the incident.

The second student sentenced in five days in connection with the riots, Revnew will serve at least 30 days at the Centre County Correctional Facility starting on March 30, McGraw said, but the maximum incarceration is 23 ½ months. Revnew must serve 12 months probation consecutive to his release and complete 100 hours of community service, McGraw said.

At his sentencing on Monday, Revnew was ordered to pay $94,150 in restitution to WTAJ. However, McGraw said total will be split among others charged in connection with news van tipping who may plead guilty as well.

McGraw could not say how many individuals have been charged in that incident.

Alcohol was a factor in the incident, and as per condition of his parole, Revnew may not consume alcohol or be in an establishment that serves alcohol for three years, McGraw said.

Read more riot coverage:

• Penn State student sentenced to 30 days in prison. (March 23)

• Forty-five People Charged in Nov. 9 Riot. (December 21)