PENN - Canceling guilty plea brings trial to W-B man

OFF THE WIRE
Ronald Molnar didn’t like the sentencing guidelines he faced, his attorney says.
WILKES-BARRE – A city man who investigators say arranged for the sale and purchase of cocaine in a $3.5 million distribution ring was permitted to withdraw his guilty plea to related charges and will now face a trial.
Ronald Molnar, 40, of Joseph Lane, who was scheduled last week to be sentenced on charges of corrupt organization, criminal conspiracy, possession with intent to deliver cocaine, three counts of delivery of cocaine and one count of criminal use of a communication facility, will now stand trial in May or June, Judge David Lupas said.
Molnar’s attorney, Nanda Palissery, said his client was unhappy with sentencing guidelines used and should be permitted to withdraw his guilty plea because it is his right to do so.
Deputy Attorney General Tim Doherty argued Friday that permitting Molnar to withdraw his plea would prejudice his case against Molnar, since nearly two years have passed since Molnar pleaded guilty in April 2010.
Lupas said he was concerned with the amount of time that had passed, and wondered out loud why Molnar hadn’t requested to pull his plea earlier.
Ultimately, Lupas said, he must grant Molnar’s request based on case law and Molnar’s rights.
Lupas said he would schedule Molnar’s trial in either May or June, and would let attorneys know a date as soon as possible.
Prosecutors say Molnar participated in the drug ring operated by members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, which distributed cocaine throughout the area beginning in July 2008.
Doherty has previously said Molnar made hundreds of calls from his house and cell phone about the purchase and delivery of cocaine.
More than a dozen Outlaws members were charged with distributing hundreds of packages of cocaine. Doherty also said Molnar sold cocaine to a police informant on a number of occasions.
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