A chronic and harassing crank caller to WJAR-TV NBC 10 in Cranston, RI has been sentenced, New England One has learned.
Michael Fitzgerald, 53, entered a plea of nolo contendere on December 7, 2015 on two separate charges of making crank and/or obscene phone calls to the staff at NBC 10 over a period of time.
Rhode Island District Court Associate Judge Stephen M. Isherwood sentenced Fitzgerald to 18 months of probation on the misdemeanor charges, and also ordered him to attend substance abuse counseling and attend a mental health program. The Judge also ordered a no contact and no trespass order against Fitzgerald to keep him from any further interactions with NBC 10 staff. He was also ordered to pay court costs.
"While I believe this man is nothing more than an offensive nuisance, you can never be too careful and must remain ever-vigilant" said WJAR news director Chris Lanni in an email to staff.
"This is a good reminder to always be aware of your surroundings here and in the field; make sure this building remains secure by ensuring all doors and the loading bay are closed; never let unauthorized personnel into the building; and make sure authorized guests who have signed in are always escorted by a station employee" he said.
Fitzgerald's criminal record dates back to 1988 when he was charged with driving under the influence in Scituate, RI. He has also been charged with simple assault, resisting arrest, malicious destruction of property, disorderly conduct, and conspiracy over the years.
