After turning down a plea deal that was offered in March, Waterloo Town Supervisor Don Trout pleaded not guilty this week to all 11 charges he faces in Seneca County Court.
Trout, town board member Bob Lotz, and Trout’s girlfriend were charged with a March 2024 break-in at the town highway barn. According to reports, Trout and Lotz used their keys to enter the building and damaged a television after Highway Superintendent Joe Mull did not remove it as instructed. It is alleged that the duo made the TV inoperable.
Trout faces a felony charge of third-degree burglary, along with eight class A misdemeanor counts that include criminal mischief, official misconduct, attempted tampering with physical evidence, possession of burglar tools, and conspiracy. He’s also charged with two violations for criminal solicitation.
The Finger Lakes Times reports Trout’s case will be back in court on September 3rd.
Lotz’s case is expected to go before a grand jury after he, too, declined a plea offer from special prosecutor, Yates County District Attorney Todd Casella. He remains free on his own recognizance.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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