Judge sets bail at $25K for man accused of burglarizing former legislator’s home
ALBION – The man accused of burglarizing a former county leguslator’s home and causing about $60,000 of damage appeared in Orleans County Court today.
Charles Zambito, the judge from Genensee County, set bail at $25,000 Zachary S. Natale, 24, of Medina.
District Attorney Joe Cardone asked that bail be set at $100,000. He said Natale has been charged with burglaries on Dec. 19 and Dec. 25 in Niagara County.
Those charges aren’t related to the second-degree burglary charge he faces in Orleans County for allegedly breaking into the home of former County Legislature Chairman David Callard’s home on Fruit Avenue in Ridgeway.
Natale allegedly broke into the house on May 14 and flooded the home by plugging drains. He also is accused of breaking other household items and stealing about $5,000 worth of items, including a television, computer and jewelry. In addition to the burglary charge, he faces third-degree grand larceny and second-degree criminal mischief.
Natale’s attorney Justin White said Natale already had posted bail of $20,000 from Niagara County. White asked that bail stay at that level.
“Our position is the circumstances have changed substantially,” Cardone told the judge in court today. Cardone said Natale “has a pretty bad heroin problem he is dealing with.”
Natale would have appeared in court voluntarily today, White said, but a detainer warrant kept him in jail.
Zambito, the judge, decided against raising the bail to $100,000. Instead, he upped it to $25,000, cash or bond. He also issued an order of protection for Callard.
