Oh, there's no place like jail for holidays

A North Sider thanked the judge who sent him to jail.
By KANTELE FRANKO
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A 56-year-old Fifth Avenue man apparently likes being in jail this time of year.
William Neal, 56, who goes by the alias Billy Parker, pleaded guilty to charges of criminal damaging and resisting arrest Monday in an apparent attempt to get locked up in jail.
Officers arrested Neal on Friday night after he admitted smashing the glass front doors of the Wick Building on Federal Plaza West, according to police reports.
Neal, who police said is known for committing crimes with the goal of being put in jail, told them he broke the windows because it was cold outside. When the officer suggested that he might only be given a ticket and released, Neal made a fist and appeared ready to hit the officer, who handcuffed him, the report shows.
The more, the better
After his arrest, Neal told the officer, "I should've hit you. I'd be in jail longer," according to the report, which also explained that he refuses to stay at his apartment because it has roaches.
Prosecutors at the arraignment told municipal court Judge Robert P. Milich that Neal has a 37-year record, consisting mostly of theft-related crimes.
When the judge asked if he had anything to say afterward, Neal replied with an enthusiastic "Thank you."
"This time, if you give me time, write down that it's mandatory for me to do it," Neal said.
Judge Milich complied with Neal's request, sentencing him to 90 days in jail, with a special order that he not be released early. The judge also ordered five years of probation and retribution through community service.
If Neal, who was on probation when he damaged the Wick Building, commits any crimes during the next five years of probation, he might be eligible for additional jail time.