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Judge gives Pellin fine and probation
YOUNGSTOWN
Richard M. Pellin Jr., a former owner of the now-defunct ambulance company that bore his family’s name, has been placed on five years’ probation, with the first 60 days on electronically monitored house arrest, and fined $5,000.
In imposing that sentence Wednesday, Judge James C. Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court did not specify a restitution amount but suggested SS&G Financial Services, the receiver responsible for distributing the failed company’s assets to its creditors, could file a civil complaint concerning this matter.
If Pellin violates terms of his probation, he’ll go to prison for 18 months, the judge warned.
After a nonjury criminal trial, Judge Evans convicted Pellin of one felony count of complicity to theft, but the judge acquitted him of nine counts of forgery and nine counts of theft.
Prosecutors said authorities believe Richard Pellin, 38, of Diamond, and his mother, Vanessa Pellin, 56, of Ellsworth, diverted $91,261 due Pellin EMS (emergency medical services) to a Pennsylvania bank account.
In August, Judge Evans sentenced Vanessa Pellin to three years’ probation and 200 hours of community service after she pleaded guilty to a single count of theft, and he ordered her to make restitution of any stolen funds.
Neither Richard nor Vanessa Pellin had any prior criminal record.
The EMS company was placed into receivership via court order over debts owed to Chase Bank.
Richard Pellin stood silent before the judge after his lawyer, Scott Cochran, said he had urged him not to speak during the sentencing hearing because an appeal of his conviction is planned.
Because of his Sept. 29 felony conviction, the Trumbull County commissioners fired Richard Pellin last month from his job as a supervisor in that county’s 911 dispatching center, which he had occupied for nearly three years.
Before his conviction, he had resigned his position as Milton Township fire chief in Mahoning County, which he had occupied for 10 years.