Saturday, March 1, 2008

Woman who groped male Santa granted "accelerated rehabilitation"

Sandrama Lamy, a 33 year old women who groped a male Santa Clause at a Danbury, CT mall last December, was granted accelerated rehabilitation, which dismisses charges if the offender stays out of trouble for two years. The defense lawyer, who argued that the December 15th incident was caused by Lamy's medication, deserves an assist.


Deputy Assistant State's Attorney Colleen Zingaro told the judge that Lamy grabbed Santa's crotch.

Authorities said this occurred while Lamy and a friend were having photographs taken with Santa. When Lamy got off his lap, she was heard laughing, "I grabbed Santa's crotch," Zingaro said.

Defense lawyer Catherine Rivard, who pushed Lamy around court in a wheelchair Wednesday, told the judge her client "has been on a lot of medications" and implied the medications caused her to behave impulsively.

"She does have periods where she does not recall, and we think this is one of the incidences that occurred," Rivard said. "She has a clean record, and I think she would be most grateful if the court would grant this program."

At that point, Judge Susan Reynolds asked, "Am I ever going to see you in this court again, ma'am, on another charge?"

"No, your honor," Lamy replied.

Rivard declined to comment after the hearing. Lamy's reason for being on medication or in a wheelchair was not revealed during court proceedings.

If Lamy stays out of trouble for 2 years, the charges of 4th degree sexual assault and breach of peace will be dismissed. Prosecutors did not make any arguments related to the diversion program, and Lamy was barred from the mall where she groped the Santa, who wasn't present in court.

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