Man involved with Covelli Centre embezzlement seeks drug treatment

YOUNGSTOWN — The former general manager of the Covelli Centre’s food and drink vendor is seeking drug abuse treatment instead of conviction in the theft of about $30,000 police said was embezzled from the vendor.

Mark Daigle, 38, of Steeplechase Drive, Canfield, made his motion for treatment today through his court-appointed lawyer, Mark A. Carfolo, but Judge Lou A. D’Apolito of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court has not yet ruled on the motion.

“The defendant was drug-dependent at the time of committing the offense at bar. He is still drug-dependent, and, if he does not receive treatment, he is in jeopardy of committing other crimes,” Carfolo wrote in the motion.

If the motion is granted, Daigle would plead guilty to the fourth-degree felony theft charge, and the charge would be dismissed if he successfully completes treatment.

Treatment in lieu of conviction is only available to people charged with fourth- or fifth-degree felonies who have no prior felony convictions.

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