Blackman Sentenced to Probation

Judge sentences Suffolk County woman to probation for her role in a 2006 Freeport murder

MINEOLA, NY – Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced today that a Nassau County judge has sentenced Charlene Blackman, 42, of West Babylon, to three years’ probation.  In June, a jury convicted Blackman of facilitating the September 2006 robbery of her boyfriend, who was found dead in his Freeport apartment following the break-in.

In February, a Nassau County jury found Ricardo Marsden guilty of robbing and murdering Peter Jones.  Marsden, 19, of Freeport, was sentenced last month to serve 25 years-to-life in prison.  Nassau County Judge Meryl Berkowitz presided over both trials and sentenced both defendants.

Rice said that in the early morning hours of Sept. 3, 2006, Charlene Blackman drove Marsden to the home of her 48-year-old boyfriend, Peter Jones, so Marsden could rob Jones. Blackman entered the home and remained there for several hours, before leaving the home with its door unlocked. Marsden then entered the home, shot Jones three times in the back, and ransacked the house. 

According to trial testimony, Blackman was initially viewed by authorities as a witness to the killing, telling detectives that she was forced at gunpoint by Marsden to set up the robbery.

However, under intense questioning by Assistant District Attorney Mitchell Benson, Blackman’s story began to deteriorate and she was later indicted by a grand jury for her role in the plot.  Before reaching their unanimous verdict, jurors were shown a copy of Blackman’s original statement to police officers, as well as a videotape of Blackman’s interview with Assistant District Attorney Benson.

Blackman was convicted of Criminal Facilitation in the Fourth Degree.  She was found not guilty of Murder in the Second Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Attempted Robbery in the First Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.

“We were convinced very early on that this woman was not merely a witness to a murder, but that she had a role in this plot.  The jury agreed,” said Rice.  “If this defendant hadn’t played her role in this murder, Peter Jones would still be alive today.”

Assistant District Attorney Christopher Holbrook, of the DA’s County Court Trial Bureau, is handling the case for the District Attorney’s Office.  Ms. Blackman is being represented by Joseph LoPiccolo, Esq.