Lang
8/29/26
A transient accused of an assault involving a machete has been given a suspended sentence.
According to arrest records, just after 3:15 on the afternoon of September 16th, 2025, 46-year-old Thomas Paintin was told to leave the apartment stairwell at 335 South Gilbert Street because he was trespassing. He reportedly replied by pulling out a 13-inch machete, pushing one person to the ground and another down a staircase, and threatening to “kick their asses”. A small baggie of methamphetamine was allegedly found on Paintin’s person upon his arrest.
Paintin agreed to plead guilty to charges of two counts of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and one each of Person Ineligible to Carry a Dangerous Weapon and Possession of a Controlled Substance – 2nd Offense. All other charges were dismissed.
On Friday, Judge Jason Burns gave Paintin suspended sentences of between one and two years on each count.
Paintin had faced a maximum of nine years in prison, if convicted on all counts.