Posted on 05/23/2003 9:46:06 AM PDT by Behind Liberal Lines
AUBURN NY- Getting drunk and calling a suicide hotline is one dramatic way to get attention. Getting drunk, calling a suicide hotline, and then shooting at responding deputies is another dramatic way to draw attention - and a two-year prison sentence.
John Finizio, 46, formerly of Route 38, Throop, got Cayuga County Judge Peter Corning's attention Tuesday in Cayuga County Court.
Corning sentenced Finizio to two to six years in state prison for his conviction on third-degree criminal possession of a weapon charges stemming from an Oct. 25 incident in which he shot twice at Cayuga County sheriff's deputies responding to his suicide threat.
It wasn't the first time deputies had been called to Finizio's home. They said he had a pattern of drinking, then calling suicide hotlines, police and the sheriff's department with threats to kill himself.
But it was the first time he'd greeted their arrival with .22 caliber slugs.
After almost a dozen officers from the sheriff's department and state police arrived, Finizio held them at bay outside his home for a little more than an hour.
At one point, he fired a .22-caliber rifle from the rear of his home toward a wooded area where police were taking cover.
Route 38 was closed until Finizio surrendered to officers without incident.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Jon Budelmann said Finizio has a lengthy criminal history, dating back 30 years, mostly misdemeanor convictions. He recommended Finizio receive prison time or one year in jail, but some prison time is appropriate, he said.
Finizio's court-assigned attorney, Joe Sapio of Auburn, pointed out this was his client's first felony conviction, that he had already served 76 days in jail, and had undergone alcohol-abuse treatment.
Sapio asked for probation so Finizio can continue on a path to sobriety.
Corning said Finizio's path to sobriety would include at least two years in prison. Corning told Finizio he has a right to drink and destroy his life, but when he drives or become violent while intoxicated, it becomes his business.
Corning said he lost sympathy with Finizio when he threatened police and shot at them.
With that, Corning sentenced Finizio to prison. Finizio didn't speak when given the opportunity.
HOLD
MUH
BEER!
Slugs?
His path to sobriety will probably be better severd in jail. Sobering up the hard way.
Yes, he was apparently using one of those new 22 caliber shotguns...
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