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Homeless man found guilty of trespassing
By John W. GOODWIN JR.
YOUNGSTOWN
The homeless man reportedly beaten by teens in Youngstown two weeks ago has been arraigned on criminal charges in Youngstown Municipal Court and could face up to six months in jail.
Thomas Boddie, 58, appeared Monday before Magistrate Anthony Sertick of municipal court to face misdemeanor criminal-trespassing charges. Prosecutors told Sertick that Boddie has three previous criminal-trespassing charges and has failed to come to court in the past.
Boddie, who pleaded no contest to the charge, was found guilty, and the magistrate ordered Boddie placed in Mahoning County jail on a $5,000 bond. Boddie will be sentenced Nov. 24 and could face up to six months in jail.
The criminal-trespassing charge stems from an incident at McDonald’s Restaurant on Fifth Avenue earlier this month where Boddie is said to have been causing a disturbance and refusing to leave the property. He had been warned to stay away from the property on two previous occasions.
Police said once he was taken into custody, Boddie continued to be difficult with officers — even spitting at officers before being booked into the jail.
He was released with a court date after being arrested but failed to show up for court, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was ultimately arrested when spotted by officers Saturday.
Boddie also made news this month when he reportedly was beaten and hit with rocks by a group juveniles in the Idora neighborhood on the city’s South Side. No charges have been filed against the juveniles. Boddie received medical attention at a local hospital.
The alleged beating was not the first time this year officers found Boddie beaten and in need of medical attention.
According to police reports, Boddie was found Oct. 16 passed out on the sidewalk near West Federal Street. Officers reported that he had a cut near his left ear with dried blood around the wound.
Boddie reportedly told officers he had been at a house near Covington Street when he was punched, kicked and pistol-whipped before walking downtown and passing out. He was taken to St. Elizabeth Health Center and treated for his injuries. No arrests were made in that incident.