Assault verdict brings jail term

3/14/2003

LIMA, Ohio - A Lima man has been sentenced to 90 days in jail for assaulting a high school student over a pair of expensive basketball shoes.

Dante Stephenson of Lima pleaded guilty to assault and criminal trespass.

Judge William Lauber in Lima Municipal Court sentenced Stephenson to 180 days in jail, but suspended 90 days of the sentence. He also placed Stephenson on two years' probation and ordered him to stay away from Lima Senior High.

Police said Stephenson went to the school looking for Michael Felton, 19, whom he believed took his pair of $140 shoes. When Stephenson found him, he began beating the teenager. Four teachers were hurt breaking up the scuffle.