Only On 2: Former Broker Avoids Jail In Window Smashing Spree
LOS ANGELES (CBS.com) — A former investment broker who was convicted of smashing more than 75 windows at businesses and homes, in Beverly Hills and along Ventura Boulevard, won't be going to jail.
CBS2's Dave Lopez was at the Airport Courthouse on Friday as Michael Steven Poret, 60, was sentenced for charges stemming from his six-month vandalism spree, which took place in 2012.
Poret, who did not speak in court during his sentencing, nor afterward, had a six-figure income working for UBS Financial Services, as well as a family and a good life, before things went sour. When they did, he started breaking windows. The total damage he wreaked was well over $200,000.
At the time of his arrest, Poret was on methamphetamines, and prosecutor David Berger said the defendant told him the drug use is what drove him to break the windows.
"He felt he needed that extra buzz, boost, whatever it is," the deputy district attorney said. "And it just took him over, and he found himself doing the most crazy, bizarre things."
"Mr. Poret was somewhat of a unique criminal defendant," Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elden Fox said as he issued his sentence. "I see no purpose in incarcerating you in this matter."
Rather than up to seven years in prison, Poret will instead be required to complete supervised probation, psychiatric care, and drug rehabilitation, and restitution for the damages. So far Poret has paid out about $90,000, but he must pay the remaining $145,000 in the next year to avoid incarceration.
