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State Police arrest Darien Center man following report of burglary in progress in Clarence

By Howard B. Owens
Casey Lafleur

Dispatched to investigate a burglary in progress on Main Street in Clarence, troopers spotted a man they believed was fleeing north from Main Street.

Casey L. Lafleur, 24, of Darien Center, was stopped and later arrested.

Lafleur allegedly entered an unlocked enclosed port and went into the residence through a closed, locked door, causing damage to the doorway. He then left the residence, police said.

He is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, criminal trespass and criminal mischief, 4th.

Lafleur was arraigned in Clarence Town Court and released on his own recognizance. 

david spaulding

thank you to the Troopers for doing a good job catching this guy. Now the court, that's another matter...... how can somebody force their way into a property that does not belong to them, get caught, and Not go to jail?
makes me wonder if this was the judge's house would he have let him go on his own recognizance........

Oct 27, 2014, 4:41pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

We don't know yet whether the suspect will go to jail. He's not been convicted of anything.

Bail, or lack of it, is a function of flight risk, not degree of guilt.

Oct 27, 2014, 5:00pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Dan, I've seen that as a factor in bail evaluation -- or a threat to themselves.

I'm mainly reacting to the mistaken notion that keeping somebody in jail after arrest is related to the crime itself, as some sort of punishment. There's no punishment until conviction. Prior to conviction, people are held to ensure re-appearance or if they're dangerous to themselves or others, but never because of the crime

Oct 27, 2014, 10:50pm Permalink
Lincoln DeCoursey

Breaking into somebody's residence is always serious and extremely dangerous, but this particular case falls into a legal gray area. Allegedly the suspect forced his way into a residence but is not believed to have commited any larceny. He's been charged merely with trespass (a misdemeanor) rather than residential burglary (a violent felony).

Oct 29, 2014, 1:13pm Permalink

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