Man pleads guilty to Austintown robbery

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — A city man who snatched money from an Austintown Township business and ran off several months ago is now headed to prison.

James Menton, 22, of Delason Avenue, pleaded guilty to robbery Thursday before Judge Maureen Sweeney of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court in a plea agreement with the state.

Menton will serve two years in prison, followed by three years’ parole upon his release. He is being given credit for the 73 days he has spent in county jail awaiting trial.

The owner of Vivo Metal Trading on Meridian Road told police Menton came into his office in early May to be paid for $3 worth of scrap metal cans. As the businessman was writing a receipt, Menton said, “Give me your money.”

Menton then grabbed the cash from the man’s desk and punched him in the back before running into the parking lot.

The owner chased Menton on foot through the parking lot toward North Meridian. He said Menton then got into a red Dodge Caravan driven by an unidentified female and fled South on Meridian.

A store employee said when he saw the chase, he got into his vehicle and pursued Menton until the van pulled into the parking lot of Steel City. He told police Menton got out of the van and ran south, and the van fled in an unknown direction.

Both men caught up to Menton and were able to detain him on the ground until Austintown police arrived.

Menton told police, “Yeah, I stole the money. I need to eat.” The money in question was found in Menton’s pants pocket during a search.