DELHI _ A Stamford businessman pleaded guilty to a reduced count of attempted first-degree sexual abuse in Delaware County Court on Monday just before jury selection began for his trial.
John A. Sanzone, 41, who owns Catskill Mortgage in Stamford, was indicted Oct. 5 on two counts of first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.
As the 95 members of the jury pool waited in the courtroom, Sanzone agreed to the plea agreement in which he will be sentenced to 10 years' probation, will be listed on the sex-offender registry and will pay all fines and fees. An order of protection has been issued ordering him to stay away from the victim.
Sanzone's sentencing is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sept. 2. He is free on $50,000 bail or $100,000 bond.
Judge Donald F. Cerio Jr. presided over the proceedings. Cerio, of Monroe County, was assigned to cover the July trial term in Delaware County.
Sanzone originally appeared before Otsego County Judge Brian Burns after Delaware County Judge Carl Becker disqualified himself because he knows Sanzone.
Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup said the family of the victim is satisfied with the plea agreement.
"(Sanzone) has no prior history, and he will be monitored," Northrup said. "This case involved touching over and under clothing. It wasn't a rape."
Northrup added that he was glad the victim didn't have to testify.
The charges stemmed from an event that took place in Harpersfield on Sept. 15 involving a child younger than 11, according to court records.
James Hartmann and Leonard Sienko represented Sanzone.
Michael Jacobs, who originally represented Sanzone, petitioned the court in February to be removed from the case.
Sanzone is a former Stamford village trustee. He submitted a letter of resignation to the Stamford Village Board on Feb. 20 in which he said he did not have the time to effectively do the job, according to a village official.
___
Patricia Breakey can be reached at 746-2894 or at stardelhi@stny.rr.com.
Print this story
E-mail this story
