SYRACUSE -- A former altar boy accused of robbing his church pleaded guilty to felony robbery today in Onondaga County Court.
Judge William Walsh's office confirms to CNY Central Michael Delaney took a plea deal this morning, and will spend 3 1/2 years in prison. Whether that will run concurrent with or consecutive to Delaney's current state prison sentence will be decided November 16th at sentencing.
Walsh's office also tells us Delaney will have 2 1/2 years of post-release supervision once he finishes his jail time.
Delaney faced up to 15 years in prison if he did not take the deal.
Previous Coverage:
A former altar boy accused of robbing his church was in court Tuesday after attempts at a plea deal fell through.
The Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office reports that Michael Delaney was arraigned Tuesday morning on one count of second degree robbery. He is accused of stealing a church collection basket from an altar boy at Holy Family Church in Camillus two years ago.
Police said that in July of 2008 Delaney hid inside the Holy Family parish center until a church volunteer entered with the collection basket money. Camillus Police say Delaney displayed a black pellet gun, stole the money, and ran. Investigators say Delaney used to be an altar server at the parish, and was also a member of the congregation.
Assistant District Attorney Lauren LaPaglia tells CNY Central that originally the case was going to be resolved with a guilty plea and sentence of five years of probation, youthful offender status, and community service. Onondaga County Judge William Walsh did not agree with that plea, so the case did not move forward. The District Attorney’s office then decided to see how Delaney behaved in college before proceeding further. While attending school in Nassau County on Long Island, Delaney was arrested for a series of burglaries, convicted, and sentenced to five years in prison. Now the DA’s office is seeking additional jail time for the Holy Family Church incident.
Delaney pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Onondaga County Court. He is scheduled to return to court on October 18.
