Waterloo Town Board member Bob Lotz has rejected a plea deal that would have reduced his felony charge to a misdemeanor, opting instead to have the case presented to a grand jury. The Finger Lakes Times reports that during his appearance in Seneca Falls Town Court this week, Lotz declined the plea, which was contingent on his testifying against Town Supervisor Don Trout.
Both men face charges related to a March 2024 incident in which they allegedly entered the town’s Highway Department building and damaged a television. Lotz was charged in January with felony burglary. Trout rejected a separate plea offer on May 1 for criminal mischief. Both men reportedly are seeking conditional discharge sentences.
The plea deal, offered by special prosecutor Todd Casella, Yates County District Attorney, also would have resulted in dropped charges against Trout’s girlfriend, Michelle Geraghty, who allegedly drove the two men to the scene but did not enter the building.
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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