BROOKINGS A Brookings man who pleaded guilty to stealing from the concessions stand at Larson Ice Center will serve 45 days in the county jail and was sentenced to two years in the state penitentiary, suspended on the condition that he serve three years probation.
Paul Laleman, 41, was sentenced Wednesday by Judge Dawn Elshere after pleading guilty in late April.
I understand that your family becomes a victim, Elshere told Laleman before she pronounced sentence. But the victims in this matter are the hockey association. I understand your remorse and that you have taken responsibility. But how someone who has been involved in similar organizations has no clue about the ripple effect here? Funds are always tight. That doesnt make a whole lot of sense to me.
You did not come forward, you got caught, Elshere continued. The public needs to know that you have stolen from this group. They need to know to protect themselves.
Though the penitentiary time was suspended, Elshere gave Laleman two years, the maximum for the class 6 felony to which he pled guilty. The suspended time is contingent on successfully completing three years of probation.
Several members of the Brookings Ice Skating Association, the nonprofit, parent-run organization that supports the standout hockey program in Brookings and runs the Larson concessions stand, sent victim impact statements as part of the pre-sentencing investigation. Several also were in attendance to see the sentence handed down.
Brookings County States Attorney Dan Nelson represented the state and did not argue for a sentence as part of a plea agreement. But Nelson said he thought the judge realized the effect the theft had on BISA and the community at large.
Mr. Laleman was held accountable for his actions, and I think the judges comments send the right message to the community concerning these criminal action, Nelson said in a statement. The crime preyed upon a vulnerable situation and he was thankfully caught before it escalated further. Our office worked hard to ensure full restitution was paid and the judge had discretion to imposed the appropriate sentence.
Laleman, then a city parks and recreation employee, was arrested in late January for the string of thefts from the concession stand, which he had access to because of his job. After noticing money missing, BISA set up a camera to catch the thief in the act.
Lalemans attorney, Tim Hogan, told the court his client had made restitution of nearly $7,000 before pleading guilty and that after losing his job with the city, he was once again gainfully employed.
Paul immediately admitted his guilt here, Hogan said. He has never downplayed his action, nor have his family. He has not tried to run away from what he has done.
Hogan asked Judge Elshere to grant Laleman a suspended imposition of sentence, a request Elshere ultimately denied.
After Hogan was finished, Laleman spoke briefly on his own behalf.
Laleman apologized to BISA, his former employers and his friends and family. He said he never thought through the ripple effects his theft would have on the the community or his family.
He concluded his statement by saying Over time I hope people dont just judge me for my mistakes, but for the changes I make to correct them.
BISA President John Kahle offered the Register a statement:
BISA is relieved to have this challenging situation behind us. We are grateful for the support and assistance we received from the City of Brookings, the Brookings Police Department, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. We hope this sentencing deters others from taking advantage of other youth associations.
Linehan is the Registers managing editor and welcomes tips and comments at [email protected].
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