Dobran gets probation after assault conviction

By John W. Goodwin Jr.

The man avoided jail time and will serve probation.

YOUNGSTOWN — A judge has given Edward Dobran III a chance to turn his life around.

Dobran was convicted of assaulting his father with a rifle in late 2008, then being caught in a stolen vehicle two months later. He could have received a long prison term but instead was placed on two years’ probation.

Dobran, 18, of Midlothian Boulevard, appeared for sentencing Thursday before Judge Lou D’Apolito of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for felonious assault and receiving stolen property convictions.

Judge D’Apolito said Dobran’s probation for the convictions can be reduced with good behavior. But if Dobran violates the terms of his probation he will be sent to prison for the maximum 91‚Ñ2 years, the judge added.

Dobran could have been sentenced up to eight years on the felonious assault charge and 18 months on the receiving stolen property charge.

The judge also ordered Dobran to pay restitution to his victims. Dobran told Judge D’Apolito he had yet to finish high school, and the judge ordered him to obtain a General Educational Development diploma while serving probation.

Dobran told the court he was ashamed of his actions and still cannot believe the incident took place.

According to police reports, Dobran got into an argument with his father, Edward Dobran Jr., over the son’s activities in the house Oct. 12, 2008. The father told police his son got a rifle and tried to shoot him then jabbed him in the ribs on the right side of his body with the weapon.

Dobran III was then caught driving a stolen car in late January.

Judge D’Apolito said Dobran was getting a break because of his age and his potential to be a viable member of society, but he added these stern words:

“We need to make you understand that you came so close to a tragedy that could have sent you to the penitentiary for life,” the judge said. “If that gun had gone off, or you had shot your father, you could be in the penitentiary for life wearing an orange jumpsuit.

“You are getting a break today because you are a kid, but you are a man under the law and responsible for what you do.”

jgoodwin@vindy.com