LOCKPORT – A homeless Niagara Falls man pleaded guilty Wednesday to stealing a van, a purse and the wallet of a woman who was trying to find him shelter, all in a three-day period.
John R. Malicoat, 38, admitted to one count of fourth-degree grand larceny to settle all three cases. His sentence, due June 4 from County Judge Sara Sheldon Farkas, will include mandatory state prison time of up to four years and restitution totaling $2,521.
Assistant District Attorney Joseph A. Scalzo said Malicoat stole a Dodge Caravan Feb. 10 from a gas station on Pine Avenue in the Falls after the owner left the keys in it while going inside to pay for his gas. The van was recovered at the Holiday Inn in Lockport. The theft came the day after the purse-snatching and the day before he allegedly stole the wallet from the shelter agency staffer and used her credit cards to make $746 worth of purchases.
John R. Malicoat, 38, admitted to one count of fourth-degree grand larceny to settle all three cases. His sentence, due June 4 from County Judge Sara Sheldon Farkas, will include mandatory state prison time of up to four years and restitution totaling $2,521.
Assistant District Attorney Joseph A. Scalzo said Malicoat stole a Dodge Caravan Feb. 10 from a gas station on Pine Avenue in the Falls after the owner left the keys in it while going inside to pay for his gas. The van was recovered at the Holiday Inn in Lockport. The theft came the day after the purse-snatching and the day before he allegedly stole the wallet from the shelter agency staffer and used her credit cards to make $746 worth of purchases.