Man involved in major theft ring gets early release from prison

YOUNGSTOWN — A defendant in a major theft ring has been freed after being locked up for a little more than half of the four-year prison term to which he was sentenced.

On Monday, visiting Judge Thomas P. Curran of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, who imposed the sentence on Brian Bleggi in November 2008, granted Bleggi judicial release.

Bleggi, 43, of Black Oak Lane, a former pizza shop owner, had pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, two counts of receiving stolen property, six counts of breaking and entering and seven counts of theft.

In Bleggi’s plea agreement, the prosecution and defense agreed Bleggi could obtain judicial release after two years if he behaved well in prison.

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