Harassment and stalking charges will be dropped against two Watertown men, including downtown computer-repair businessman Michael DeFranco.
In Pierrepont Town Court Wednesday evening, Judge Robert Camp granted both men - DeFranco and Joseph Sweet - an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal.
That means if they don't get into any trouble for the next six months, the charges will be dismissed.
The charges were brought by Colton resident Jon Sabin, who accused the two men of posting information about him, including his photo, on the internet.
The dispute was an outgrowth of a lengthy feud between Sabin and members of the Jefferson County Web Board.
Assistant District Attorney James Monroe recommended dismissal of the charges, saying DeFranco provided a multitude of materials that proved that Sabin had engaged in similar reprehensible behavior.
Mr. Monroe noted that "Additionally, Mr. Sabin has similar problems with others."
DeFranco has kept a promise to desist from mentioning Sabin in online postings, Monroe also noted.
And, while "not condoning the social transgressions nor their implied threats," there's a question of whether the online commentary is protected by the First Amendment, Monroe wrote.
DeFranco still faces a harassment charge in Watertown City Court relating to the feud between the two men.
In April, he was accused of punching a process server who visited DeFranco's shop, Computer Doctors, on Public Square.
The process server, Matthew Shoen, was serving a letter on behalf of Sabin ordering DeFranco to cease and desist alleged harassment. It was signed solely by Mr. Sabin.
Shoen had been serving, and attempting to serve, the same letter to a number of individuals, including members of the web board.
DeFranco claimed that when Shoen identified himself, DeFranco jumped up, startling Shoen, who then hit his lip on the doorway.
