Guilty Plea Highlights Consequences of Domestic Violence

Dakota Mann, a 23-year-old Walton, New York resident, found himself in front of the Honorable John L. Hubbard at the Delaware County Court on October 7, 2024. The charges against Mann were serious - he pleaded guilty to Assault in the Third Degree and Criminal Contempt in the First Degree, shedding light on a troubling series of events that unfolded over a period of time.

The incident that led to Mann’s appearance in court occurred on May 17, 2024, when Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call in the Town of Walton. A distress call reported an ongoing assault involving Mann and an unnamed victim, who was protected by an existing order of protection. The swift response from law enforcement, including the Walton Police Department and the New York State Police, led to Mann’s arrest on charges of Criminal Contempt and Assault.

While in custody at the Delaware County Correctional Facility, Mann was involved in another violent altercation on July 1, 2024, where he assaulted a fellow inmate, resulting in injuries. Investigator Cody Tromblee investigated the incident, leading to additional charges of Assault in the Second Degree against Mann.

Through a negotiated agreement, Mann ultimately entered a guilty plea on the aforementioned charges of Criminal Contempt and Assault. Judge Hubbard accepted Mann’s plea, and sentencing was scheduled for December 9, 2024. As per the agreement, Mann is expected to receive a one-and-a-half to three-year sentence for Criminal Contempt and a one-year sentence for Assault.

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith expressed gratitude towards law enforcement, acknowledging their prompt response and diligent actions in handling the case. As reiterated by D.A. Smith, the guilty plea agreement serves as a clear message that domestic violence will not be tolerated in Delaware County. The importance of abiding by orders of protection was emphasized, with Mann’s sentence intended to set an example that violence, be it at home or in incarceration, is unacceptable in their community.

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First Assistant District Attorney Schuyler Konior Kinneman prosecuted both cases, ensuring that justice was served in tackling the issue of domestic violence and enhancing safety in the community.