A former New York state trooper, Thomas Mascia, pleaded guilty to charges of shooting himself and falsely reporting that he was attacked by a gunman on a Long Island highway. This prompted a large search for a nonexistent suspect, leading to Mascia agreeing to a plea deal that includes six months in jail, five months of probation, and ongoing mental health treatment. He also has to pay $289,000 in restitution to cover the overtime costs incurred by officers during the search.
Mascia, who became a trooper in 2019 and resigned after being suspended amid the investigation, had been charged with official misconduct, tampering with evidence, and falsifying documents. He had claimed he was shot in the leg on October 30 by a driver on the Southern State Parkway, sparking a regionwide manhunt. Prosecutors revealed that Mascia had actually shot himself in a local park, concealed the weapon, and then called for backup, aiming to gain sympathy and attention.
During his court appearance, prosecutors confirmed the details surrounding the incident, asking Mascia directly if he knew the story was a lie. He acknowledged it quietly. Alongside him, his parents, Dorothy and Thomas Mascia, also pleaded guilty to firearm charges related to the case.
Despite previous hearings where Mascia cited mental health concerns, his lawyer, Jeffrey Lichtman, stated that he has been dealing with untreated mental health issues for years. The family is scheduled for sentencing on August 20 and did not comment as they left the courthouse.
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