DELHI - Claude H. Manon, 56, Margaretville, was sentenced to six months in jail and five years probation as part of negotiated plea and sentence deal in Delaware County Court, Monday, Oct. 21.
Manon pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of fourth-degree grand larceny Aug. 26 in exchange for the promised sentence. Manon was originally charged with third-degree larceny, accused of stealing property exceeding $3,000 in value in the town of Middletown Feb. 1. He was additionally accused of possessing buprenorphine and charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
The sentence is subject to restitution in an amount to be determined. As part of the sentence, all pending misdemeanor charges in local court will be disposed of.
Assistant Public Defender David Smith successfully advocated for a modification of proposed probation conditions which included the removal of a clause which prohibits Manon’s contact with a person who has recently been arrested. The clause, Smith said, unnecessarily restricts Manon’s social support by isolating him from people who are presumed innocent under law. District Attorney Shawn Smith stated that while the clause would restrict Manon’s social circle, he would be “set up for failure.”
Judge John Hubbard removed the clause from Manon’s probation terms and also allowed Manon to be in contact with immediate family members, who would otherwise be excluded.
Manon is being held at the Delaware County Jail scheduled for a restitution hearing on Nov. 8.
