Easterly pleads; prosecutors to recommend 7 years

YOUNGSTOWN

A 27-year-old city man could spend the next 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to felonious assault charges associated with the shooting of another man in a housing development in 2011.

Darius Easterly of Covington Street pleaded guilty Tuesday to felonious assault, illegal possession of a weapon, trafficking in heroin and receiving stolen property before Judge James Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Easterly had been set for trial, but opted instead to enter into a plea deal with prosecutors. Prosecutors will recommend a seven-year sentence in exchange for the guilty plea, but the final decision rests with the judge.

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