Zito Pleads Guilty in Family Violence Incident

James Arthur Zito, the 22-year-old Millersville man who was accused of stabbing his mother in July 2012, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in Annapolis Tuesday morning.

According to state attorney's office spokeswoman Kristin Fleckenstein, Zito pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree assault, two counts of false imprisonment and one count of having a dangerous weapon.

“Part of the plea deal included the defense basically offering information to the judge so [Zito] would be found not criminally responsible,” Fleckenstein said. “The issue with this is he had to be committed to the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene.”

Defense attorney David Putzi said the result was what he and Zito’s parents were hoping for.

“I think it was clear James had a break from reality during this period of time,” Putzi said. “I think this case was about finding a treatment for James rather than a punishment, and his parents were supportive of that. Everyone was supportive of that. “

Putzi said Zito will be monitored at the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene for the “foreseeable future.”

See Also

• UPDATE: Police Still Seeking Man in Family Violence Case
• Stabbing Suspect Found in Glen Burnie

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