Canonsburg man sentenced to jail for home invasion
A Canonsburg man accused of kicking in the door to his former neighbor’s home was sentenced to 4 to 8 months in jail Friday following a hearing before Washington County Judge Gary Gilman.
Paul Dessify, 33, of 10 Payne Place, pleaded guilty in March to criminal trespass and criminal attempt. Dessify entered into an open plea agreement, where the sentence is up to the judge.
Dessify was arrested in April 2014 after he turned himself into police for allegedly kicking in the door at the home of his former neighbor at 130 Murdock St. Matthew Williams told Canonsburg police he was sleeping after working the midnight shift when he heard a knock at the door. Before he could respond, he heard his basement door being kicked in. Williams saw a man, later identified as Dessify, turn and run through the backyard.
Surveillance video and eyewitness accounts identified Dessify, who formerly resided at 132 Murdock.
Assistant District Attorney Jerry Moschetta questioned Dessify as to whether drugs motivated the home invasion. Although Dessify admitted to using several different drugs, he said the crime was committed in the “heat of the moment” following a fight with his wife.
“I take responsibility for what I did. It just happened … one thing led to another,” Dessify testified. “I was angry. I couldn’t tell you my intentions.”
When asked why Williams was the target, Dessify said he simply didn’t like him. Gilman questioned Dessify’s honesty about his drug use and the circumstances leading to the incident prior to sentencing him.
“I’m concerned and perplexed,” Gilman said.
In addition to the jail sentence, Gilman also sentenced Dessify to 1 year of probation, ordered him to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation and to undergo anger management counseling. Dessify must also pay restitution and is to have no contact with Williams.
Christopher Sherwood, Dessify’s attorney, declined comment following the hearing.
Dessify, who is free on $5,000 bond, was ordered to report to the county jail June 12 to being serving his sentence.