Sentencing set for Manchester man who pleaded guilty to cutting out his father’s pacemaker

MANCHESTER – A 34-year-old Manchester man who pleaded guilty this week to cutting out his father's pacemaker in 2009 will be sentenced June 6 in Delaware County District Court.

Jesse Fierstine, originally charged with attempted murder and willful injury, pleaded guilty Monday to willful injury, going armed with intent and two counts of assault causing serious injury. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

Mike Lahammer, Fierstine's attorney, said Monday Fierstine never intended to kill his father Charles Fierstine, 63. He was trying to cut out the pacemaker because it was harming his father. The pacemaker was malfunctioning and was removed from Charles about 48 hours after Jesse was arrested.

Charles Fierstine died last year, which was unrelated to the assault in 2009.

Lahammer said Fierstine, who was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, wasn't taking his medication at the time he attempted to cut out the pacemaker in April 2009.

Lahammer will argue for a deferred judgment and Delaware County District Attorney John Bernau will argue for consecutive prison terms.