Pair could have harassment charges dropped if they behave

Stalking and harassment charges stemming from an Internet feud will be dropped for two Watertown men if they have no further scrapes with the law for six months.

Michael J. DeFranco, 50, of 107 Court St., Apt. 156, and Joseph P. Sweet, 32, address unavailable, each were granted adjournments in contemplation of dismissal Wednesday in Pierrepont Town Court on charges of second-degree aggravated harassment and fourth-degree stalking.

The charges stem from a complaint brought by Jon C. Sabin, South Colton, who complained to state police that the men had posted harassing comments about him, as well as his picture, on Web sites following a dispute that began on the Jefferson County Web Board.

In a letter to the court, St. Lawrence County Assistant District Attorney James L. Monroe told Town Justice Robert G. Camp that when Mr. DeFranco and Mr. Sweet initially appeared in court to answer the charges, they promised him, through attorney Eric T. Swartz, that they would desist from any further activity toward Mr. Sabin. Mr. Monroe told the court the men "have kept their bargain."

Mr. Monroe also said that Mr. DeFranco provided him with materials "that prove, (to my satisfaction,) that Mr. Sabin engaged in similar reprehensible behavior" as was alleged against Mr. DeFranco and Mr. Sweet.

Mr. DeFranco, who owns and operates Computer Doctor, 104 Franklin St., still faces a second-degree harassment charge in City Court for allegedly punching Matthew M. Shoen, 33, of 6489 County Route 92, Lorraine, on April 9.

Mr. Shoen was attempting to serve Mr. DeFranco papers on Mr. Sabin's behalf on March 26. When Mr. DeFranco reached for papers with his left hand, he punched him in the lip with his right hand, Mr. Shoen told police. He then allegedly punched Mr. Shoen with his left hand and then pushed him into a wall.

Mr. DeFranco told police he never punched Mr. Shoen, only that he put his hands on him to steady him. Mr. DeFranco contends that when he rose abruptly from a chair, Mr. Shoen "hit the door and spun to the left of the door," prompting Mr. DeFranco to help him up and then keep his hands on Mr. Shoen's shoulders as he left the business.