Lynn couple confesses to public assault on 50 year old

SALEM – A Lynn couple charged with brutally beating and robbing a 50-year-old Lynn man and leaving him face down in a pool of blood on the sidewalk in front of the city?s public library this past June have confessed.James S. Pearson, 38, of 126 Union St., #33, pleaded guilty Wednesday to unarmed robbery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, shod foot, before Salem Superior Court Judge David A. Lowy.He was sentenced to serve not less than two years and not more than three years in state prison to be followed by two years of probation, at which time he will be evaluated for drug abuse treatment and counseling with random screens. He also must be employed or have five job applications on file and was ordered to stay away from the victim as part of his probationary terms.Tabbatha Gauthier, 32, also of 126 Union St., #33, Lynn, was allowed to plead to a reduced charge of larceny from a person in connection with the case. She was handed a split term of two and a half years in the House of Corrections, with all but six months suspended and placed on two years of probation. She was ordered to enter an in-patient drug facility for a year, be evaluated for drugs and treatment with counseling with random screenings and ordered to stay away from the victim.The judge sentenced the couple in accordance with an agreement reached between Assistant District Attorney Kim M. Faitella and defense lawyers Alice Jayne and Jeffrey G. Sweeney, respectively.Faitella stated the charges arise out of an incident on June 18 when the 50-year-old victim was found by police in front of the city?s public library at around 10:30 p.m.Witnesses told police they had observed a male, later identified as Pearson, kicking the victim?s head as he went down on the ground and then grabbing his wallet.Police later found Pearson and Gauthier walking near City Hall. Witnesses identified them as the pair who robbed Fennelly, according to reports.While the couple was being booked at the police station, police said they found a Citizens Bank ATM card and Visa gift card on Gauthier with the victim?s name on both.The judge credited them each with 144 days already served while held in lieu of bail awaiting trial on their case.