Corning man rejects plea deal in larceny of Tom Reed campaign sign

A Corning man has rejected an offer from the Steuben County District Attorney to make a criminal charge go away. A trial now appears more likely for Gary McCaslin, a retired pastor, who is accused of stealing a Tom Reed campaign sign. The DA offered to dismiss the case if McCaslin agreed to complete two tasks…stay out of trouble for six months and send Congressman Reed a letter of apology. Neither requirement seemed to appeal to McCaslin who told reporters outside the Corning town court Monday evening that he has nothing to apologize for. His attorney, Christina Sonsire, filed two motions with the court last night. She asked the court to dismiss the petit larceny charge outright and she asked if the charge was continued, that a special prosecutor be appointed. Sonsire said that District Attorney Brooks Baker has made financial contributions to the Reed campaign. She also said Baker worked for Tom Reed’s law firm for three years. Both motions were denied by Judge Dale Leonard. McCaslin returns to court September 17th.