'The pattern doesn't speak well'

The former gang member has a 'storied past,' his lawyer said in court.
By PATRICIA MEADE
VINDICATOR CRIME REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Citing a "great chance of recidivism," a judge in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court sentenced Eric Ballard to three years in prison on gun convictions.
Judge James C. Evans, in reviewing Ballard's criminal record Friday, found "a pattern of problems" and said "the pattern doesn't speak well of you." The record includes time spent in federal prison on drug and weapons convictions and state prison for robbery and gun convictions.
Michael Villani, an assistant county prosecutor, offered no sentencing recommendation.
Judge Evans then sentenced Ballard, 30, of Logan Avenue, to one year in prison for carrying a concealed weapon and three years for being a convicted felon in possession of a weapon. The time will run concurrent and be followed by three years' post-release control or parole.
Ballard could have been sentenced to 61/2 years in prison, the judge said. The case, filed in June 2003, had been delayed over the years for a number of reasons, including Ballard being in federal prison until October 2005.
Storied past
Boardman attorney Albert A. Palombaro told the judge that his client "has a storied past," including gang activity. Palombaro said Ballard was shot and almost killed in a case of mistaken identity, and he carried a gun and wore a bulletproof vest afterward.
The defense lawyer said since Ballard's release from prison he has had a successful transition except for a few glitches and some substance abuse problems that were straightened out.
Ballard told the judge he has been walking a straight line -- except for this week -- and that he loves his freedom and loves his kids. He said he's grown up and learned his lesson.
This week, Ballard was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, illegal possession of a weapon and driving under suspension. He is due back in municipal court March 6 for a preliminary hearing on those charges.
Ballard told Judge Evans that he's confident the new charges will be dismissed, saying he didn't know his passenger had a gun. Police who stopped Ballard on the South Side said he sped through red lights. The officers found a loaded 9mm handgun they said Ballard dropped in a yard as he got out of the car.
meade@vindy.com