MAN SENTENCED IN POT THEFT; AUTHORITIES WEIGH CHARGES AGAINST VICTIMS

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) A Burlington teen-ager has been sentenced for stealing
marijuana from a woman on Burlington's waterfront in April. Now prosecutors
are trying to decide whether to press drug charges against her.

As his mother sobbed softly at the front of the courtroom, Steven C. Martin
was sentenced to jail to serve a minimum of nine months and a maximum of
four years in jail.

Martin, 17, pleaded guilty to larceny from a person, possession of
marijuana, violation of conditions of release and reckless endangerment.

Vermont District Court Judge Amy Davenport also ordered Martin to attend
anger management and substance abuse classes while in jail. Davenport said
she thought Martin has made ''significant changes'' and has matured since
the time of his arrest, and should continue to work on curbing his anger.

''The only thing you have absolute control over is yourself,'' said
Davenport.

According to an affidavit, Martin and two others asked one of the victims,
Cheryl Fischman, if she could get some marijuana. Fischman, Shawn Chaney
and Marissa Coolidge met Martin and his friends on the waterfront, and
Martin grabbed a large plastic bag full of $1,000 worth of marijuana from
Fischman without paying her.

Chaney pursued Martin, who pointed a handgun at the trio, the victims told
police. Marijuana, a handgun and a sawed-off shotgun were found by police
in Martin's bedroom.

Deputy State's Attorney Robert Simpson said his office hasn't decided
whether to seek drug charges against the victims.

''We were focusing on the robbers first,'' said Simpson. ''It's a pretty
unusual case. I don't think I've had one like this before.''