To the Editor:

This is a letter I sent to the Assistant District Attorney in St. Lawrence County regarding the possible disposition of a case that made the news last January I think:

After our recent conversation, I must admit to being very disappointed in you and your office regarding the arranged disposition of the charges against Donald Matice and his theft from the American Legion while he was commander.

Mr. Matice was charged with six felony counts, one charge of petit larceny and admitted to stealing close to $50,000 from the Legion.

As you know, we believe the total to be closer to $89,000 in total loss including fines levied by the NYS Gaming Commission. You contacted me and asked how we wanted to proceed and we asked you to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.

To learn, subsequently, that a plea deal had been arranged without consulting with us that allows him to plea to the petite larceny, no jail time, no probation and a conditional discharge and a promise to repay half of what he stole is disappointing and unacceptable.

The theft from any victim is wrong, but to steal from an organization comprised of men and women who sacrificed for this country and who placed a trust in their elected commander is unforgivable. While a case may be old to you, the wounds to our organization are fresh and still being paid for by membership.

I wonder, with the promise of the DA to seek justice, if the press and our community would view this as a just disposition? I assure you I know how my Legion members feel.

We would like you to revisit the question of restitution-at least to the amount of $47,973 -- we also believe that “you do the crime-you do the time” should be revisited. No jail time seems to us to be a gift and not a punishment and certainly not a deterrence against a further incident.

We appreciate your consideration to our concerns regarding Mr. Matice and look forward to your prompt response before finalizing the disposition of his case.

Gloria Weldon

Commander American Legion Post 65, Gouverneur