Photo: Douglas Sacha / Moment / Getty Images
Former New York state trooper Thomas Mascia pleaded guilty on Wednesday (May 21) to charges related to faking his own shooting. Mascia admitted to shooting himself and falsely claiming that an unknown gunman had wounded him on a Long Island highway, which led to a widespread search for the supposed assailant.
During his court appearance in Nassau County, Mineola, Mascia agreed to a plea deal that includes serving six months in jail, followed by five months of probation. Additionally, he will continue to receive mental health treatment.
The incident initially caused significant alarm and prompted a regionwide search for the alleged shooter. However, investigations revealed that Mascia had fabricated the story.
Mascia's guilty plea marks the conclusion of a case that drew considerable attention and highlighted issues related to mental health and law enforcement integrity.
According to the Niagara Gazette, the plea agreement aims to address both the legal consequences and the mental health needs of Mascia.