People v. Vecchio

Opinion by

Judge KELLY * .

The defendant, Franklin S. Vecchio, appeals a 14-year sentence imposed upon him by the trial court following his pleas of guilty to theft, embezzlement of public property, and preparing a false tax return which were entered pursuant to plea bargain. His principal contentions are that the trial court erred in denying his motion for change of judge, that the 14-year sentence was excessive, and that the sentences were invalid because each sentence was not imposed while he was present in the courtroom. The first two arguments implicate the effect to be given to a large…