State Trooper prepares for plea deal, admitting he shot himself
'We are not here today to celebrate,' said Attorney Jeffrey Lichtman. 'We are here today because he's suffering significant mental illness.'
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The 27-year-old former officer showed up in court with his mother and father, prepared to accept a plea deal, admitting that he has been suffering from mental issues for years.
It was last October when Mascia claimed he was shot in the leg by a motorist he went to help on the Southern State Parkway. That triggered a multi-state manhunt for the assailant.
Mascia received a hero's reception when he was released from the hospital. Holes were quickly punched in his story until it was determined there was no assailant.
In court, the judge asked Mascia if he was in good mental health to take a guilty plea. Initially, he said no, which quickly changed to yes after conferring with his lawyer. Out of caution, the judge pushed the plea deal to another date.
'I'm not telling him to lie,' said Lichtman. 'I want him to tell the truth, and if he says he's not feeling well mentally, it doesn't mean for a second that he is unable to take a guilty plea.'
More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State
Mascia would not speak to reporters as he left the court. He is charged with tampering with physical evidence, falsely reporting an incident, and official misconduct. His parents were also prepared to plead guilty to a charge of illegal gun possession found in their home. The family said they wore green in support of Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mascia's lawyer said his client had hoped to get this over with today. 'I wouldn't say he was disappointed, but numb and shocked from this whole thing to go through. He was a decorated officer. Now, he's sitting in the blink of an eye as a criminal defendant with the press chasing him down the street.'
Mascia will be back in court on May 21 when his guilty plea will get him six months in jail and five years' probation. In addition, he'll have to pay more than $289,5000 in restitution for the expenses police encountered trying to find an assailant who never existed.
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