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LISBON -- A Lisbon man accused of several charges when he was intoxicated on Jan. 2 opted for a guilty plea instead of a jury trial Tuesday, receiving a sentence that means he'll serve another 88 days in jail.
Richard Vecchio, 61, whose last known address was state Route 164, entered the plea to fifth-degree felony obstructing official business and misdemeanors of criminal trespass, domestic violence and resisting arrest. A charge of disorderly conduct was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge Megan Bickerton followed the recommendation of county Assistant Prosecutor Alec Beech for the sentence, ordering Vecchio to serve 180 days in the county jail, with 92 days credit for time already served. Vecchio was represented by defense attorney Paul Conn.
On Jan. 2 in Lisbon, Vecchio was accused of pushing a woman into the kitchen counter of a residence during a domestic violence incident and resisting arrest when placed into custody, pushing a deputy onto the ground by using his body weight, then fell on top of her, causing injury. Earlier at Circle K, he was intoxicated and made multiple threats and obscene gestures to an employee while trespassing since he had been told to stay out of the store.
During the plea hearing and sentencing, Bickerton strongly urged Vecchio to take advantage of his remaining time in jail to do something about his drinking, which she said was the constant in his life.
He responded that he wanted to do what he can to quit drinking.
"Don't try, just do," she said.