Pleasantville Court Recommends Treatment for Heroin Defendant

Pleasantville resident Michael Mandragona appeared in Pleasantville Court March 19 in handcuffs as Acting Village Justice Virginia C. Collins presided over his three open cases.

The 25-year-old was first arrested on February 11 and charged with possession of heroin and a hypodermic instrument. He was later also charged with two counts of Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, felonies. Police allege he was caught with forged checks at the Chase Banks on Washington Avenue and Bedford Road.

He was again arrested on March 5 and charged with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree.

On Tuesday, Mandragona's Legal Aid Society attorney stated he had been interviewed by an in-patient treatment program that could pick him up from Westchester County Jail and keep him there until he completed the program.

Said Collins, "You need to go there. You have to want help. It's going to be harder than being in jail."

Collins said she believes Mandragona is in need of "chemical dependence treatment" and urged him to "work hard" during his treatment.

"This case is serious, but your life is more serious," she said. "There are other people in town who did not get a second chance."

Mandragona's attorney said he would likely be picked up at the jail on March 22. The cases were adjourned to April 2, though Mandragona's appearance will be waived.

Note: All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. All ages represent the date of arrest.