YOUNGSTOWN Three who ran South Ave. bar plead guilty

The family members will be sentenced in early 2003.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Thomas and Catherine McDonough are keeping their house, but losing just about everything else.
Their daughter, Mary Catherine McDonough, is going to prison.
The family once operated McDonough's Lounge on South Avenue, which has been closed for about two years. Authorities say they ran more than the family business.
The McDonoughs were indicted on drug charges by a Mahoning County grand jury in November 2000. All three were scheduled for trial Wednesday afternoon in common pleas court, but pleaded guilty instead.
Assistant Prosecutor Terry Grenga, assigned to the Mahoning Valley Drug Task Force, said the plea negotiations took months.
Mary Catherine McDonough, 47, of Palmer Avenue, pleaded guilty to five counts of cocaine trafficking and single counts of preparing drugs for sale, illegally manufacturing drugs, cocaine possession and illegal possession of a weapon.
Grenga recommended that she serve 21/2 years in prison. She could have received up to 19 years.
Judge Robert Lisotto ordered a background check and said he will hold the sentencing in early 2003.
As part of the deal, Mary Catherine McDonough agreed to forfeit two cars -- a 1991 Chevrolet Corvette and a 1992 Cadillac. Prosecutors also wanted to seize her house, but she agreed to hand over $20,000 cash instead.
Atty. Michael J. Rich, who represents Mary Catherine, said she agreed to go to prison so her parents would not have to.
Parents' pleas
Catherine McDonough, 67, of Humbolt Avenue, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of cocaine trafficking. One count of funding drug activity was dismissed. Grenga recommended that Catherine McDonough serve six months in the county jail and then be placed on probation.
Thomas McDonough, 68, of Humbolt Avenue, pleaded guilty to five counts of cocaine trafficking. Five counts of the same charge and one count of funding drug activity were dismissed. He is to receive probation.
Grenga said prosecutors did not seek prison for the parents because of their age and because both are in poor health.
"And we've agreed to forfeit a substantial amount of property as well," said Atty. Anthony Meranto, who represents the couple.
He said they are giving up $13,000 in cash, a 1976 Jeep, a 1988 Chevrolet pickup truck and a 1991 Chevrolet Camaro. They are also forfeiting the bar to the task force.
All of the forfeited property will go to the task force, which will sell the property and use the proceeds to fund its operation.
Grenga said the sentencing is being delayed so long to give authorities time to transfer all the forfeited property to the drug task force.
bjackson@vindy.com