Marseilles man gets probation for spitting at cop

A Marseilles man pleaded guilty Friday to spitting in the face of a Marseilles police officer and was sentenced to 4 years reporting probation. Michael L. Diaz Jr. also was ordered to steer clear of alcohol.

The 19-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery to a peace officer, a Class 2 felony carrying 3-7 years in prison. Diaz had a previously clean record, however, so attorneys in the case negotiated 48 months probation plus time served.

Diaz was charged after a Feb. 22 incident in which he was charged with assaults against the responding police officer and a paramedic. As part of the plea, however, he was convicted only of the battery count for spitting.

Diaz declined an opportunity to address Judge Cynthia M. Raccuglia before sentencing.

“It’s good that (the officer) wasn’t hurt in any way,” Marseilles Police Chief Brian Faber said when advised of the plea, “but it was an unfortunate situation and I’m glad justice was done.”