Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, November 6, 1993 TAG: 9311060140
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES LENGTH: Medium
Coleman, who admitted throwing a powerful firecracker near a group of fans in a Dodger Stadium parking lot on July 24, had faced a felony charge, but the count was reduced to a misdemeanor after defense lawyers and prosecutors reached a plea agreement.
A one-year term in Los Angeles County Jail was suspended and Coleman was given three years' probation by Commissioner Abraham Khan on the condition that he perform 200 hours of community service.
Coleman also was fined $1,000, plus a law enforcement assessment to be determined.
In addition, Coleman agreed to make restitution to the three fans who were injured. The family of Amanda Santos, then 2 1/2, who was injured in the incident has filed a lawsuit.
Coleman's lawyer, Robert Shapiro, said Coleman would report to the Los Angeles County Fire Department on Friday to help clean up Malibu wildfire damage as part of his community service obligation.
"We're going to offer our services," Shapiro said, including himself and Michael Nasatir, Coleman's other lawyer. "We've got our jeans and our shovels in the car. We're going to be helping as much as we can today and throughout the weekend."
Said Bill Hodgman, a deputy district attorney: "All the victims have expressed that this was a fair and just disposition."
"I'm relieved. Very relieved," Coleman said. He said he wants to "put it behind me. Hopefully, I won't have to look back on it. There was an accident. I'm sorry it happened. I've suffered dearly."
Keywords:
BASEBALL
by CNB