[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...&TM=36974.1

Man sentenced for selling items stolen from trains

Craig Davison
For The News-Dispatch

LA PORTE - A federal judge sentenced a 30-year-old La Porte man to more than three years in prison for his role in selling items stolen from trains.

Ryan "Barney" Mrozinski was sentenced to 37 months in prison, three years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory fine for criminal cases in federal court. He also has to pay restitution of approximately $81,600.

The eight men indicted in the theft and sale of items from trains - all of whom have pleaded guilty - will have to pay $662,826 in restitution to the victims, which include three train companies and manufacturers of items such as TVs, cigarettes and alcohol.

On Tuesday, Martin Kus, Mrozinski's attorney, said, "Mr. Mrozinski recognized the seriousness of the offense. He was the first offender to take responsibility of his conduct and recognizes that he has a debt to pay as a result of that conduct, both in terms of money and in time to serve."

Jesse Barrett, the assistant U.S. attorney prosecuting the case, was unavailable for comment.

Mrozinski pleaded guilty to one count of the 24-count indictment in January. At the hearing, he told the court he purchased more than 25 cases of Crown Royal whiskey and more than 25 TVs from James Newland and sold the items from his home.

"He looks forward to getting this behind him so he can return to the La Porte community and once again be a contributing member of our community," Kus said. "This is his first offense, his only offense, and although he wishes it didn't happen, he understands he has to pay for his mistake and hopes that his friends and other members of the community understand his mistake. And he looks to earn their trust once again."

In November, Mrozinski and seven other men were indicted for roles involving the theft of items from trains during a two-year period or the later sale of items.

Newland, 31; Phillip Montorsi, 28; William Montorsi, 31; Victor Montorsi, 33; John Patrick, 42; Joseph Phelps, 31, all of La Porte, and John Frederick, 35, Portage, have pleaded guilty and have sentencing set for April or May.

[Dave]

Southsider, you seem to have added 27 years to this guy's sentence in the thread title. Do you know something we don't?

[Southsider2k12]

Southsider, you seem to have added 27 years to this guy's sentence in the thread title. Do you know something we don't?

LOL. yeah, I looked at his age. I am fixing the title