Three Sharon men who police said beat up another man at a July 4 party faced a preliminary hearing Thursday in a crowded courtroom before District Justice James E. McMahon, Sharon.

Michael Salsgiver, 27, of 387 A St., is charged with aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy to commit assault, and theft in an attack on James Ramsey, 35, Pine Hollow Boulevard, Hermitage.

Brothers Phillip James Root, 23, and Buddy Allen Root, 24, both of 557 New Castle Ave., were charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and criminal conspiracy to commit simple assault.

About 20 people showed up to listen to Ramsey testify about the incident.

Ramsey said he was at a party at the home of Keith McKelvey who lives in the 600 block of Sherman Avenue when Salsgiver showed up and got into an argument with Ramsey's stepson.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the argument started because Salsgiver tried to steal 500 compact discs worth about $5,000.

Ramsey said he involved himself in the argument on behalf of his stepson. He said he implied he would fight Salsgiver.

Salsgiver left the party but returned about 10 to 15 minutes later with several other people, Ramsey said. He said two cars stopped and people got out and ran toward him though he never saw Salsgiver get out of the car. Ramsey said Salsgiver did make a fighting remark.

"That's the last thing I remember," Ramsey said. At that time he said he was knocked down by someone he didn't see, and the next thing he knew he woke up in an ambulance.

Ramsey said he suffered head injuries and still has two black eyes and head pain from the incident. He said he's taking pain killers and has already missed two weeks of work because of his injuries.

Prior to the attack Ramsey said he had never met Salsgiver or the Roots.

All charges against the trio were held to court. All three men were taken to Mercer County Jail after failing to post $10,000 bond.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Kristen Garrett at kgarrett@sharon-herald.com