YOUNGSTOWN Probation violation excuse not accepted

The probation department is doing a thorough background check.
By PATRICIA MEADE
VINDICATOR CRIME REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Joseph L. Sanders said he didn't sign up for probation because of the press coverage his suspended jail sentence on a gun charge received.
Sanders "thought that he'd be rearrested if he showed up," said Dave Olsavsky, a probation officer for Youngstown Municipal Court.
Olsavsky said Judge Robert A. Douglas Jr. didn't accept the press coverage excuse during a probation violation hearing Wednesday.
Sanders, 31, of Dryden Avenue, was arrested in July as part of the Gun Reduction Interdiction Project. At arraignment July 7, he pleaded no contest to carrying a concealed weapon.
Judge Douglas sentenced Sanders to 90 days in jail, suspended 87 and gave him credit for three days served. The judge fined Sanders $100 and placed him on nine months' probation.
The sentence, reported in The Vindicator, drew criticism from U.S. Attorney Greg White and others.
White said judges are among those, such as police, prosecutors and residents, who set community standards. "Unless there's a consistent message, there's not much opportunity to stop the violence," he said.
Because Sanders didn't sign up for probation, a warrant was issued and he was arrested Aug. 21.
Sanders' lawyer, Charles Curry, said his client was aware that The Vindicator had reported his sentence and was scared that he'd be rearrested if he showed up for probation. He also heard folks on talk radio saying he should be rearrested.
What's next
At Wednesday's hearing, the judge ordered a background check and set sentencing for Sept. 10. The judge modified Sanders' $5,000 bond, saying that if he makes it, he must go on electronically monitored house arrest until sentenced, Olsavsky said.
The judge could impose the original 90-day sentence, minus the days Sanders has served.
When Sanders received probation last month, The Vindicator checked his municipal court records and found that he owed $1,427 in fines and costs on 11 cases. The convictions, which date to 1995, include theft, escape (amended to attempted), public indecency, receiving stolen property (amended to unauthorized use of a vehicle), four for driving under suspension, and more.
When Sanders was given the opportunity to do community service in lieu of fines and costs, he didn't do it, said Dan Panigall, head of the probation department.
meade@vindy.com