Genesee Sun

Bonkers Obbagy Can't Decide on Plea Deal

LIVIGNSTON COUNTY — Shawn Obbagy was arrested in April for criminal mischief and property damage. After asking a judge to begin serving his sentence as soon as possible he then wouldn't admit he was guilty.

Allgedly Obbagy slammed his vehicle into parked cars at Fat Sam's in Avon and then upon arrest destroyed the inside of an Avon Police Patrol car where he was eventually tasered.

The once wild haired perp stood before Judge Dennis Cohen with his newly shaved head unable decide if he wanted to accept the plea deal of 2-4 years or go to trial.

"I am willing to plead guilty but then I am going to appeal," said Obbagy. "I need more time to think about the offer."

Obbagy, who is currently being held in the Livingston County Jail, has had time to think about the offer for over two weeks.

"Do you understand what is taking place here? Are you mentally fit or currently on drugs?" asked Judge Cohen. "If you didn't do the crime then I can not and will not accept your guilty plea."

There is significant evidence against Obbagy including photographs of the damaged patrol car and eyewitnesses from Fat Sam's who saw him slam into other parked cars.

At the beginning of the hearing Obbagy would not announce whether he would accept the plea deal until he was informed of a sentencing date. After negotiating an earlier sentencing date to Nov. 17th Obbagy then refused to be sworn in and admit his guilt on the plea deal.

In the middle of hearing Obbagy asked his Public Defender James McCann, who has been practicing law for over 35 years, how many cases he has won.

"It makes no sense for someone to plead guilty and then appeal," said assistant District Attorney Kyle MacKay. "One of the purposes of a plea deal is to save the taxpayers money by avoiding a trial."

If Obbagy accepts the plea deal he is dodging a potential 4-8 year sentence in State prison if found guilty. The offer on the table is 2-4 years.

After a second break Judge Cohen adjourned the matter until Oct 5th.