Convicted dune buggy thief sent to jail
NORWICH – A Walton man accused of stealing a dune buggy and concealing it pleaded guilty and was sentenced to jail and probation in Chenango County Court by Judge Frank B. Revoir, Jr.
James F. Laughman, 32, Walton, pleaded guilty to the class D felony of grand larceny in the fourth degree on Feb. 2.
It is alleged on or about May 17 and 18 on Nurse Hallow Road in the Town of Afton, Laughman –while acting in concert with another– did steal a 2002 dune buggy with a Volkswagen engine and an approximate value of $5,000.
While entering his plea, Laughman said he “had no clue it was stolen at the time.”
“I am not going to accept your plea if you are saying you are innocent,” said Revoir.
First Assistant Michael D. Ferrarese asked Laughman if on the date he stole the dune buggy, whether or not he was driving the dune buggy while it was being towed.
Laughman agreed and said he did.
“You put tree branches over the buggy in an attempt to conceal it,” said Ferrarese. “Why did you conceal it?”
Ferrarese said to Laughman that he did not have permission to take the dune buggy.
“You were in fact stealing property that belonged to another individual?” said Ferrarese.
Laughman said he did steal the dune buggy.
Sentencing was postponed until Feb. 13 because the victim wanted to be present to discuss restitution and did not appear due to the snowstorm.
On Feb. 13, the victim once again did not appear in court for Laughman's sentencing to discuss restitution.
Ferrarese said he could have given Laughman seven years in prison for stealing the dune buggy.
“The People believe the defendant will not repeat this act of stupidity again,” said Ferrarese.
“I appreciate it, and I apologize,” said Laughman.
Revoir said when he looked at the reports related to the case and Laughman's background, he said the case “certainly falls under the category of a stupid act.”
“I hope he is right and this is the last time we see you,” said Revoir.
Laughman's wife and two of his five children attended his sentencing. His wife and two children were crying in the courtroom during the proceedings.
Revoir said to Laughman that his family is there to support him and as hard as it was, Laughman willingly admitted what he did was wrong, which is part of being a good role model for his kids.
“What your dad has done here today is he stood up and did the right thing,” Revoir said to Laughman's children.
Laughman received a split sentence of six months incarceration at the Chenango County Correctional Facility and five years probation less time served.
He was handcuffed and remanded to the county jail on the day of his sentencing.
James F. Laughman, 32, Walton, pleaded guilty to the class D felony of grand larceny in the fourth degree on Feb. 2.
It is alleged on or about May 17 and 18 on Nurse Hallow Road in the Town of Afton, Laughman –while acting in concert with another– did steal a 2002 dune buggy with a Volkswagen engine and an approximate value of $5,000.
While entering his plea, Laughman said he “had no clue it was stolen at the time.”
“I am not going to accept your plea if you are saying you are innocent,” said Revoir.
First Assistant Michael D. Ferrarese asked Laughman if on the date he stole the dune buggy, whether or not he was driving the dune buggy while it was being towed.
Laughman agreed and said he did.
“You put tree branches over the buggy in an attempt to conceal it,” said Ferrarese. “Why did you conceal it?”
Ferrarese said to Laughman that he did not have permission to take the dune buggy.
“You were in fact stealing property that belonged to another individual?” said Ferrarese.
Laughman said he did steal the dune buggy.
Sentencing was postponed until Feb. 13 because the victim wanted to be present to discuss restitution and did not appear due to the snowstorm.
On Feb. 13, the victim once again did not appear in court for Laughman's sentencing to discuss restitution.
Ferrarese said he could have given Laughman seven years in prison for stealing the dune buggy.
“The People believe the defendant will not repeat this act of stupidity again,” said Ferrarese.
“I appreciate it, and I apologize,” said Laughman.
Revoir said when he looked at the reports related to the case and Laughman's background, he said the case “certainly falls under the category of a stupid act.”
“I hope he is right and this is the last time we see you,” said Revoir.
Laughman's wife and two of his five children attended his sentencing. His wife and two children were crying in the courtroom during the proceedings.
Revoir said to Laughman that his family is there to support him and as hard as it was, Laughman willingly admitted what he did was wrong, which is part of being a good role model for his kids.
“What your dad has done here today is he stood up and did the right thing,” Revoir said to Laughman's children.
Laughman received a split sentence of six months incarceration at the Chenango County Correctional Facility and five years probation less time served.
He was handcuffed and remanded to the county jail on the day of his sentencing.
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