Valley man waives hearing in racist video case
Michael Todora is accused of confronting shoppers at a local Walmart in December and then posting a video on Facebook.
A Speers man charged after allegedly recording a racist confrontation inside the Rostraver Township Walmart waived his preliminary hearing Friday before Magisterial District Judge Wayne Vlasic.
Michael Todora, 36, appeared with his attorney, Mark Stopperich of Carnegie. Todora had not yet been formally arraigned on the charges when he appeared in court.
Augusta “Queenie” Goll, the woman who appeared in the video, attended the hearing Friday.
State police charged Todora with ethnic intimidation, harassment and disorderly conduct with obscene language after investigating a video recorded Dec. 21 at the Walmart.
Police allege Todora filmed himself approaching Goll, a Black woman, in the grocery section of the store and used racist language during the interaction. In the video, Goll repeatedly asks him to get away and requests security while walking away.
According to police, Todora then approaches another Black shopper before the recording ends.
The video was later posted to Facebook and circulated on social media.
Before addressing the preliminary hearing, Vlasic conducted an arraignment, asking Todora a series of questions to determine bail.
During questioning, Todora told Vlasic he is a military veteran who previously served in the Army Reserves as a dispatcher and medic before being honorably discharged. He said he has no history of drug or alcohol abuse or mental illness.
Todora told the judge he currently lives in Charleroi.
He acknowledged prior arrests years ago for nonviolent incidents.
Vlasic asked whether Todora had sought counseling through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs since the charges were filed.
Todora said he intended to, but the only available appointment times conflicted with his work schedule.
When asked if he was currently employed, Todora turned toward a Mon Valley Independent reporter — the only media representative present — before telling Vlasic he was working but did not want to disclose details of his employment because of that reporter being present. He later provided the requested information to the court.
Todora also said that although he had not yet connected with VA resources, he has been involved with a weekly men’s group at a church he recently began attending.
Vlasic set bail at $20,000 unsecured and ordered Todora to undergo a mental health evaluation through the VA and comply with any recommended treatment.
“There is also SPHS here in Monessen, there needs to be some course of action,” Vlasic said. “I am not sure if the district attorney is going to require it, but I can and will. You need to get involved with the VA and follow any and all of their recommendations.”
Todora waived his preliminary hearing. A formal arraignment is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. April 8 before Judge Michael J. Stewart III in Westmoreland County Court.
In a separate case, state police previously filed summary citations accusing Todora of harassment and defiant trespass related to an incident Dec. 12 at 1440 Foods in Fallowfield Township. Troopers allege Todora entered the property, recorded himself confronting employees and posted the video online, believing the employees were Haitian.
Todora has not entered a plea in that case.
Goll said while she was nervous to attend the hearing and despite it being waived, she hopes Todora receives the assistance that he needs.
“It’s sad, and he needs help,” she said. “I hope they are able to help him.”
