Saturday, October 17, 2009
Tarasuck was sentenced Friday on felony charges.
YOUNGSTOWN — A former Canfield police officer convicted on felony charges will avoid serving any time in prison if he can stay out of trouble the next few years.
Richard M. Tarasuck, 38, of Timbercrest Drive, Canfield, appeared Friday before Judge Lou D’Apolito of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for sentencing on felonious assault and burglary charges.
A county grand jury indicted Tarasuck on the charges in January. He entered into a plea deal with prosecutors admitting his guilt in August.
Tarasuck had served as a member of law enforcement for 13 years and was a school resource officer before being indicted on the felony charges.
According to the indictment, Tarasuck forced his way into the home of Willard Steele, his father-in-law, Jan. 21 and caused serious physical harm to Steele. Tarasuck is in the process of divorcing Steele’s daughter.
Tarasuck served 91 days in the county jail after his arrest and indictment on the charges.
After Tarasuck pleaded guilty to the charges, prosecutors recommended that he be given five years’ probation. While on probation, prosecutors recommended that Tarasuck attend anger-management classes, weekly mental health counseling and take any and all medications he is prescribed.
Judge D’Apolito, during the sentencing hearing, followed the prosecutors’ recommendation. He also warned Tarasuck not to get into an altercation with another person under any circumstances. The judge said any violation of Tarasuck’s parole would result in a two-year prison sentence.
Tarasuck’s nonprison sentence may have been partially due to statements from the victim. Steele addressed the court during the sentencing hearing and told the judge he does not believe Tarasuck should spend anymore time behind bars.
Steele also told the court that he can remember the attack, the fractured rib, eye damage and the three times Tarasuck asked him if he wanted to die. He also said he has future concerns.
“I think he is very vindictive, and I am concerned about the future,” he said.
Tarasuck offered an apology to his estranged wife, her family and his family as well in a quick statement to the court.
Atty. James Gentile, representing Tarasuck, told the court his client was facing personal issues at the time of the incident and the three months he has served in the county jail along with the felony convictions are punishment enough.
“Richard, at the time, was descending into some psychological problems, and there was not very much support for him, not very much help for him,” Gentile said.
jgoodwin@vindy.com