FARMINGTON — A Livermore Falls man was sentenced Thursday to 18 months in jail, all suspended, and two years of probation for his part in the beating of a Wilton man June 30.

Juan Colon, 23, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assault with a dangerous weapon in Franklin County Superior Court. He had been indicted on a higher level felony of aggravated assault that was dismissed by the state in a plea agreement.

If the case had gone to trial Jason White, 44, of Wilton would testify that he and Colon were having a dispute over several days, Assistant District Attorney James Andrews said.

Testimony would have been heard that White drove by Colon and other co-defendants and threats were exchanged. The men pursued White’s vehicle to near Bass Park in Wilton and he was surrounded by four men and struck twice with a wooden club by Colon, White would have testified.

Wilton police Chief Heidi Wilcox would have testified that Colon admitted to chasing White only after White threw a glass bottle near the men and it exploded, Andrews said. Colon admitted to picking up a stick and hitting White in the neck, according to testimony.

Medical personnel would have testified that White had two lacerations on his head caused by blunt trauma, Andrews said.

Colon’s attorney, Kevin Joyce, said there was an issue that arose on whether or not it rose to self-defense. Colon recognizes and understands that if the case went to trial and the state’s evidence was heard he could be convicted, he said.

During Colon’s probation he is prohibited from possessing and using alcohol and illegal drugs and is subject to search and testing. He is also required to undergo counseling, which he has started, Joyce said.

Judge Susan Oram said she accepted the recommendation after hearing the state’s evidence and information she learned as the case progressed through the judicial  system.

He is not to have contact with White and co-defendants, Kahner Dee, 19, and Benjamin York, 18, both of Jay.

Dee pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assault on Tuesday. An aggravated assault charge was dismissed in a plea agreement.

Sentencing was deferred for two years. If he completes requirements during that time, he will be able to withdraw his plea to a felony and plead to a misdemeanor charge and have it discharged without sentencing.

York’s case is not settled.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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