((HT: Buffalo News/Warner))Hockey superstar Patrick Kane ((pictured, thanks WIVB-TV/Buffalo)) and his cousin have been indicted on misdemeanor and violation charges — but no felonies — in their Aug. 9 violent dispute with a Buffalo taxicab driver, Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita III announced this afternoon.
An Erie County grand jury indicted Patrick T. Kane, 20, and his cousin, James M. Kane, 21, on charges of third-degree assault and theft of services, both misdemeanors, and harassment, a violation.
The grand jury dismissed the original police charge of second-degree robbery, a more serious felony, for both defendants.
Both Kanes are accused of attacking taxicab driver Jan Radecki, 62, in his cab early on the morning of Aug. 9 near Canisius College during a dispute over their fare.
Law-enforcement sources previously said the Kanes would be indicted on misdemeanor, not felony, charges.
Those sources say both sides still are working on an agreement that would have the Kanes either plead to just a violation, probably harassment, or be granted an adjournment that could lead to the case being dismissed months later.
If no plea deal is reached, a possible conviction on either of the misdemeanor charges could lead to up to a year in jail, but that's not expected to happen here.
"For a first offense, that's extremely rare," Sedita said. "In similar cases, even if the defendants were convicted as charged after trial, it would be unusual for them to see any substantial time in jail."
Read Sedita's release here in black...More when we know more...
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