Defendant gets probation

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A city man has been sentenced to three years’ probation for what a prosecutor said was his role in a Dec. 14, 2012, gunbattle on the city’s North Side in which police said some 43 shots were fired outside a Lora Avenue residence.

After he pleaded guilty to a felonious assault charge, Ricky M. Easterly, 32, of Grandview Avenue, drew the sentence Tuesday from Judge Lou A. D’Apolito of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, who ordered Easterly to get a job, pay child support and undergo random drug testing.

Sentencing for his co-defendant, Richard W. LaBooth Jr., 35, of East Avondale Avenue, has been postponed one month while he undergoes medical treatment for gunshot wounds to his legs.

Jeff Davis, an assistant county prosecutor, said he’s recommending five years in prison for LaBooth, who pleaded guilty to felonious assault with a firearm specification.

“LaBooth was the shooter. Easterly could be placed at the scene, but not shooting,” Davis said, explaining why he’s seeking prison time for LaBooth and sought probation for Easterly.

Davis said LaBooth was the aggressor in the gunbattle, which Davis attributed to “a drug deal gone bad.” LaBooth’s motive for the assault was robbery, Davis added.

LaBooth remains on electronically monitored house arrest while he awaits sentencing.

Jeffrey J. Rivera, 24, of Youngstown was shot several times during the gunbattle, but survived and was not charged with any crime.

Davis said Rivera was the victim.