A trial date has been set for two men accused of running a scam on Craigslist, but there may also be a plea deal in the works for one or both of the suspects.
Jaequele M. Tomlin, 23, of Central Avenue, Batavia, and Quamane J. Santiago, 19, of Main Road, Stafford, appeared in County Court today on what was scheduled to be their plea cutoff date but with the agreement of District Attorney Lawrence Friedman and Judge Charles Zambito the plea cutoff date was extended to Nov. 19.
Tomlin's attorney, Arthur A. Duncan, said he needed more time in light of a decision on a motion handed down by Zambito.
The nature of the motion or the content of Zambito's decision was not discussed in open court.
Tomlin and Santiago are charged with conspiracy in the fourth degree.
They are accused of posting car-for-sale ads on Craigslist with the intent of robbing anybody who showed up to buy the car.
At the time of their arrest, they were allegedly found in possession of fake guns.
Tomlin faces an additional charge of criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, for allegedly possessing a blunt-force weapon with the intention to use it against a person.
Fred Rarick, attorney for Santiago, did not indicate whether his client is considering a plea offer but Rarick agreed to the extension of the plea-cutoff date.
If no plea agreement is reached in either case, jury selection for a trial is scheduled for March 25.
"The snow should have melted by then," Zambito joked.
