RSS | 
Twitter
| 
Be a fan!
Judge sentences monkey thief to prison
A Vestaburg man said the past 81/2 months he's spent in Washington County Jail have helped him realize how wrong it was for him to help steal two exotic monkeys from a Somerset Township wildlife center.
"I've come to really value my freedom," said 19-year-old Steven Christopher Labore, who appeared Thursday before Washington County Judge John DiSalle for sentencing on charges of burglary, criminal trespass, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment.
Rate This Story:
1 the lowest - 5 the highest
Current rating:
Labore was arrested nine months after he and Michael Anthony Naylor of Rices Landing, Greene County, broke into the climate-controlled greenhouse at Grant Kemmerer's Wild World of Animals wildlife company and stole a spot-nosed Guenon monkey and a Mona Guenon monkey from their cages Nov. 5, 2007.
The primates and other animals are used in educational programs.
After the incident received much media attention, the monkeys were returned to the Kemmerers by Labore and his mother.
The Kemmerers previously had said the monkeys were traumatized and the other animals inside the climate-control building were placed at risk during the thefts.
Labore left the area and evaded capture by police while Naylor was arrested and charged in the case. Naylor pleaded guilty in April 2008 and was sentenced to 2 to 5 years in prison. He also was ordered to pay his share of restitution to cover damages at the center.
In September, Labore was apprehended after it was discovered that Labore had posted a photo of himself on Myspace.com. Labore also listed his address as Lexington Park, Md., on the Web site. His father lives in Lexington Park.
Maryland police picked up Labore, and he was extradited to Washington County for prosecution.
During his sentencing hearing Thursday, Labore, along with his parents, his younger sister, his grandmother, and two aunts, told DiSalle that the man is a changed person and he should be spared any further time in jail. Instead, they all said that Labore should be given the opportunity to carry on a four-generation family tradition of enlisting in the U.S. Navy.
"Any more jail time would hold him back from becoming a productive member of society," said Labore's mother, Jennifer Schmidt. "He's a changed young man. The loss of his freedom has taught him a lesson."
Labore said he has come to understand the seriousness of the crime he had committed and was very sorry for his actions. He said he realizes that the monkeys were like children to the Kemmerers, who could not attend the court hearing because they were doing a show in Florida.
Labore and his parents also explained that Labore's missing of court proceedings was purely an oversight and that they were unaware of the scheduling of the various hearings.
Despite the pleas for leniency, DiSalle said he found Labore's action aggravating, especially since he and Naylor returned to steal a second monkey after taking the first one.
"This isn't scrap metal or tools. These were living creatures," the judge stated.
In addition, DiSalle said he held Labore more responsible for the crime because he was smarter and more articulate than Naylor and had a stronger support system. Subsequently, the judge explained that he felt constrained to give Labore the same sentence as his co-defendant.
In turn, DiSalle sentenced Labore to 2 to 5 years in prison on the charges stemming from the theft of the monkeys and two separate cases in which Labore was charged for driving erratically throughout Vestaburg on Oct. 16, 2007.
The judge did point out that Labore will be eligible for state boot camp or the Recidivism Risk Reduction Incentive program, both of which if completed could make him eligible for an earlier parole.
Navy : 6/5/2009
Doubt the Navy would take him regardless is a felon and went on the run from the law, nice try by family though
Navy : 6/5/2009
I thought the Navy would take anyone!! They take kids right out of state run boot camps that are felons! You know, you steal a monkey, GO TO JAIL. YOU steal a steak, GO TO JAIL. You steal a can of baby formula, GO TO JAIL. If you're the US GOVT and you steal 14 t tttt tttrillion dollars! Don't tell the tax payers where it went.... you get a new address at 1600 Penn AVE in DC!
Navy : 6/5/2009
This incident pales in comparison to what Michael Vick did and Vick only got 23 months--2 of those at home.
Sometimes I wonder... : 6/5/2009
Okay, the boy stole a monkey. He shouldn't have committed the crime. Should he serve time in prison - maybe. At such a young age, I would assume that there would be a more effective and productive solution especially considering the non-violent nature (and stupid) nature of his crime. I think 1 year in prison and 12 months of community service working at a animal volunteer shelter would be suitable.
Judge DiSalle : 6/5/2009
Clearly, Judge DiSalle has been on the bench too many years to care about what's best for rehabilitating the criminal and what's best for society. It costs the state of Pennsylvania $34,000 per year to house inmates. This boy could have been repaying his debt to society by enlisting in the armed forces and serving his country. There is such disparity in sentencing from Judge DiSalle. People who commit much worse crimes are sentenced to probation while a young boy gets sent to the state penitentary for two to five years. Perhaps this judge needs to start thinking about retirement.
JUDICIAL SYSTEM A JOKE : 6/5/2009
first,second,third DUI which is more serious gets atmost 6 months in jail,,, a judge is supposed to factor a record of convictions,, if this young kid did not have a record and this was his first offence,,2 to 5 years is crazy,,we all make mistakes as a young one, to put this 19 year old in jail for that long is a crime itself,,,it goes to show just because your dad was a judge ,,should not qualify you as son
UNREAL : 6/5/2009
to warehouse a soul for a year cost $34000. Prisons are a huge business all over the country. The United States USE to have good jobs. We use to manufacture things in this country, until NAFTA and GAFTA. Which was to cut the throat of the middle class, and it did. Only one person tried to warn us, and we laughed at him. Ross Perot.China buys our debt, and we buy all their crap or manufactured goods real cheap.I wonder what is China's Capitol gains tax is? Our's is or about to be 29%. That will slash jobs in America like you won't believe. So until we toss the bums out of office, get use to putting kids in prison. That is the only jobs left in America! Oh and don't forget the pvt owned prisons! Owned by judges or brother in laws... WAKE UP!!!!!
Irate : 6/5/2009
Get angry. Do not accept these ridiculous decisions from our elected judges. It's our tax monies that finance these extended stays in prison. This young man could become a victim himself. A victim of a system that only futher "criminalizes" him. He would have stood a chance in the Navy. These aren't the kind of people that we want to see sent to jail. The monkey thief goes to prison but the crack dealer and the drunk drivers walk???
judicial system a joke : 6/5/2009
you are comparing apples and oranges-dui laws leave very little leeway for discretion when sentencing. judge disalle has proven that he listens to everyone's input when deciding on a sentence and doesn't put up with the games defendants want to play in court. too many times defendants are given the benefit of the doubt over and over-they make a joke of the judicial system along with those that fall for their stories.
Does he deserve it? : 6/5/2009
He's a nineteen year old boy, not a thirty year old man who should know better. He made a mistake but he did not commit a murder. People can do much worse and get probation or county jail time. Judge DiSalle needs to think about the way he sentences these people. Not righhhhhht!
Steven : 6/5/2009
Steven was always a nice kid to myself. He really made a mistake but he did not kill anyone! His sentencing is not fair at all. The navy would have been perfect for him. Now in two to five years when he gets out what does the kid have to look forward too? A horriable record. Who wants to hire a felon? This may have ruined the kids life over a stupid crime.
MONKEY THIEF : 6/5/2009
This kid should do more time than his accomplice, because this kid chose to go on the run to avoid prosecution. So, I say he deserves a harsher sentence. Don't do the crime if you cant do the time.
"Judge" : 6/5/2009
Judge DiSalle is an example of the failed judicial system this State and Nation is currently dealing with. My tax money now has to be stretched further in a place that creates violent criminals and doesn't promote productive lifestyle choices. I fully believe that the laws that are put in place to protect this State are the same set of laws that are hurting intelligent young people like Steve Labore. If DiSalle thinks he can continue to treat human beings far worse than the way Labore treated those circus monkeys, he should be removed from his Bench. Steven is not the only constructive human being DiSalle has crippled with his lazy proceedings. He has managed to shape three generations of felons who probably could have better served this County. This is a reflection not only on our ability to elect appropriate officials in this state but also reflects poorly on our education system. On a side note, this reporter is equally inept as this Judge DiSalle. Linda Metz needs an editor to approve of this nonsense she has been writing for the past 2 years just like DiSalle needs a baby-sitter. Even the DA in this case cared more about the defendant than the judge. So it is on us to keep these people employed and let injustice and falsehoods prevail or we can acknowledge its time to take a stand and do everything we can to make a difference. We need to take responsibility when the lives of people who continue to walk free hurt the rest of us; namly a jude and a reporter, lowly as they may be.
Hmmmm... : 6/5/2009
Have you ever stopped to wonder if there is more to the story than the summary you read in the newspaper?
Judge Disalle : 6/5/2009
This setence by Disalle is another exsample of his justice meaning if this was a person that worked for the system this kid would of received a sentence like the officer from hanover township that sexually assulted that girl from Pittsburgh, the officer received a sentence that gave him a room in the county jail with work release, were is his compassion for that girl, it seems the monkeys was more important than the girl that was sexually assulted!! {Those poor monkeys!!} when it comes time to vote open your eyes!!!!
monkey theft : 6/5/2009
Why no plea agreement since the animals were returned? Why no community service or rehabilitation offered? Did a victim impact statement demand cages for hte humans also? Does Pennsylvania still have sentencing guidelines which apply to Washington County?
Sentencing : 6/5/2009
Instead of questioning whether the sentence imposed by Judge DiSalle on a criminal was too harsh compared to other crimes why not look at why those other crimes were let off so easily? The boys broke into someone's place, stole one monkey, returned broke in again and stole the second one. Would you still question the sentencing if it was your place that was broken into, if it was your things that were stolen? It doean't matter what was stolen or the value. It was a crime, the boys who committed the crime were caught and deserve the harshest sentence allowed. People getting off too easy or with community service is why crime never stops. Let us not forget that he took off to avoid his prosecution, knowing it was coming! Job well done Judge DiSalle, maybe people knowing they won't get a slap on the hand will prevent them from doing the crime in the first place.
gravity : 6/6/2009
this was not this man's first brush with the law. he had three cases on this day alone that he plead guilty to. this wasn't just a theft of monkies. he burglarized the victim's property. a felony in PA. punishable by up to 10 years each count. he had 2. dui's are misdameanors, lesser graded offenses. he ran from the law and what he did was serious. the judge gave the proper punishment
crazy!!! : 6/6/2009
THis is crazy, YOU HAVE A MURDERER WHO IS GOING TO DO PROBABLY A YEAR BECAUSE SHE IS A GIRL BUT THIS MAN WHO ONLY STOLE A MONKEY, DIDNT TAKE SOMEONES LIFE WITH HIM IS DOING A 2 TO 5. the judicial system in this state is crazy
Lazy judges, backward system : 6/6/2009
Some interesting opinions on this decision, I’m inclined to agree with the majority who are making the point about disparity in the sentencing. The Michael Vick comparison was pretty good one (greyhound). Now the political comparison was dumb. The government might not be spending your (silly seamen) tax dollars in the manner you like, but the federal government taxing you is legal. (Unreal) points are on point. The United States has a vastly higher percentage of people in prison than any other country. I think this has more to do with the sentencing of individuals. This case is a prime example. I truly believe that this 19-year old man would have a better chance of turning his life around by serving our country. Two to five years surrounded by disciplined military people or criminals, which would be better? For the next 2-5 years the taxpayers are paying for this young man. I rather it be something constructive like the military molding a law abiding citizens then the state cultivating another criminal. Who’s more likely to make a positive contribution to society after 2-5 years, an honorable discharge veteran of the US Navy or former inmate of the Pennsylvania prison system? Given the choice between a veteran and prisoner who would you hire? Now what do you think that paroled criminal is going to do to survive? Probably use all that prison experience five-year prison to commit mayhem and most likely end up the system again. I’d rather pay for the guy once. The judge should have taking his time in jail under consideration, sentence him to 2-years, but allowed an option of serving in the military.
Disalle : 6/6/2009
Obviously, Disalle is a tree hugger and an animal nut. These lib's on the bench are the problem in our judicial system. The animals were not hurt in any way and these young men have been the victim of stupidity in the court system. They made a mistake, yes, but the sentence is beyond rational thinking. I know both sets of parents and both boys had good support, they just made stupid choices. Disalle blames the family of naylor for bad support. He, as usual, has no idea of what he is saying. Judges are to preside with facts and guidelines, not with personal opinions.
fix the system : 6/8/2009
when disalle is up for retention VOTE NO, too many just check yes without looking at what judges have done in their courtroom,,,,,i would vote NO with pozonsky also,,stop look and listen to these so called judges and make your own choice,,i have made mine
Steven : 6/8/2009
I'm Steven's mother and appreciate the support the majority of you are showing here. The boys made a mistake and they fully understand and regret it. No mitigating factors were even considered when the sentence was imposed. Steven himself, handed those monkeys back safely to their owners. They were not abused or neglected. This was clear judicial error here, and unfortunately, it will go unnoticed. With a little luck and a lot of prayer, my son will still become a productive member of society. The judge will have to answer to the voters and I will be a huge advocate in opposition of his retention.
Irate~here's the real cost.. : 6/8/2009
Preventing crime costs all of us a small fortune. Collectively, the cost of security devices, alarms, associated personnel, guards and police officers is high.
Irate~here's the real cost.. : 6/8/2009
And, in a burglary such as this, we have police officers employed and paid from the taxes of workers who must now respond to deal with the incident. Employing police time and resources significantly add to the cost of crime, and the attempt to steal now involves costs mounting into many hundreds of dollars before the matter enters the courts. Whether this criminal was given probation, community service or a prison service it will be expensive to administer. Even if we believe he “just made a mistake” and would respond well to help and rehabilitation it will cost money.Consider the cumulative costs involved with victims lost wages, lost productivity, legal costs, administrative costs and the need for additional security and what started out as a minor misdemeanor would easily exceed $20,000 or more.
: 6/8/2009
All of you who are Anti-Disalle, remember that when someone breaks into your home and steals your property. You'll be looking to him for Justice.
What the heck! : 6/18/2009
For all of those that think this 19-year old committed the crime of the century. Will you please explain to me how someone can keep 24 malnourished horses? Can kill 8 of them only gets a fine, no jail time and eventually be permitted to have horses again? Either she didn’t get the proper sentence or the Labore kid didn’t get a proper sentence. There is something not right about the disparity in the sentences.
