Homeless man sentenced today

YOUNGSTOWN

The homeless man a witness saw beaten by teens, and who was then arrested for criminal trespassing, has been released from jail one day before Thanksgiving.

Thomas Boddie, 58, appeared Wednesday before municipal Judge Robert Douglas for sentencing on a misdemeanor charge of criminal trespassing. Boddie appeared wearing the county-issued orange jumpsuit and nursing a bandaged cut above his right eye.

Boddie pleaded no contest to the charge and was found guilty last week, but told the judge that he did not remember entering the plea.

The alleged beating by teens 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.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.