Driver of car used in fatal shooting gets probation

YOUNGSTOWN — The driver of the car from which shots were fired, killing one 17-year-old and wounding another, in a drive-by shooting almost two years ago on the city’s North Side has been sentenced to two years’ probation on a reduced charge of obstructing justice.

Judge Lou A. D’Apolito imposed the sentence Wednesday upon Robert Jackson, 20, of East Evergreen Avenue.

Jackson removed spent shell casings from the car after a passenger in the car, Deon Glenn, 20, of Glenwood Avenue, fatally shot Maressia Patterson and wounded Akeem Minor as they walked on Ford Avenue at 12:30 a.m. on May 26, 2007.

The Mahoning County Common Pleas Court judge warned Jackson that he’d send him to prison for five years if he violates the terms of his probation.

If Jackson moves to Chicago as planned, Illinois officials will monitor his probation, said Martin P. Desmond, assistant county prosecutor.

Judge D’Apolito sentenced Glenn last month to 35 years to life in prison after a jury convicted Glenn of murdering Patterson, of Upland Avenue, and wounding Minor, of Lauderdale Avenue, who were among a group of people Glenn shot at.

After the prosecutor reduced the aggravated murder charge against Jackson to obstructing justice and dropped five attempted murder counts and all firearm specifications against him, Jackson pleaded guilty to obstructing justice and testified against Glenn in Glenn’s jury trial.

Desmond said he made the plea deal with Jackson because there was no evidence that Jackson knew that Glenn had a gun on him or intended to shoot anyone.