Man pleads no contest to robbery, assault

10/6/2009

A Toledo man arrested within an hour of the July 20 holdup of a restaurant manager pleaded no contest to robbery and assault charges yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Hassan S. Hassan, 35, of 2146 Woodford St., faces up to 16 years in prison when sentenced Oct. 28 by Judge Linda Jennings. Authorities said he planned to rob the manager of Original Gino's Pizza Restaurant after he heard a disgruntled worker discuss how the daily deposits were made. The employee, John Mattoni, 48, of 1516 Carlyle St., is to go on trial Oct. 13 on a charge of complicity in the commission of aggravated robbery.

Hassan approached the manager, Jason Filas, as he walked to his car from the restaurant at 3981 Monroe St. Using a box cutter, Hassan cut Mr. Filas in the chest during a struggle. Hassan escaped with the bag with the cash.