AUBURN - An Auburn man pleaded guilty in Cayuga County Court Tuesday to the felony crimes of attempted rape and the criminal possession of a weapon.

Michael Mahunik, 20, of 122 S. Fulton St., Auburn, admitted that on Jan. 8 he attempted to rape a 14-year-old girl in the bathroom of a Genesee Street laundry and to using a pocket knife in a separate incident on Jan. 2 to threaten a teenager.

Mahunik expects to receive a two to six year sentence for the weapons possession and 1.3 to four years for the attempted rape.

Both terms will run concurrent and will cover several pending cases against Mahunik.

Mahunik will be sentenced on May 20.

Also in court:

• Cayuga County Judge Mark Fandrich sentenced a Buffalo man to two to four years in prison for a December burglary in which he stole a computer and office equipment from a residence on Fort Street in Auburn.

Ignatius Digaetano, 34, had admitted in a previous court appearance that he committed the burglary to feed his drug addiction.

On Tuesday, Digaetano, who used to be a chef at the Sherwood Inn and own his own restaurant, said his addiction had destroyed his life and requested that he receive drug treatment while in prison.

During his request, Digaetano stated he would like to be entered into a special drug rehabilitation program that would earn him an early release, but added he would enter any program available, even if he had to serve his full sentence.

“I know the difference between right and wrong, and what I did was wrong,” Digaetano said, while addressing the court. “I just hope I find myself on this trip, that's the most important thing.”

After considering Digaetano's record of 21 arrests over the past 15 years and a prior felony conviction for burglary, Fandrich denied Digaetano's request for the drug treatment program that would release him from jail early, but encouraged Digaetano to seek treatment from other programs available in prison.

• Gary Carpenter, 40, of 31 Grove St. Apt 1, Auburn, was sentenced to two years in prison with two years post-release supervision for the criminal sale of a controlled substance.

Carpenter who had a lengthy criminal history stemming from alcohol and drug abuse dating back to 1983 will also be entered into a substance abuse program while in prison.

• An Auburn man was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison with two years post-release supervision for the attempted sale of cocaine Aug. 6, 2006.

Martin Nagel, 53, 7041 Owasco St., Auburn, will also have to pay $220 in restitution and fees.

Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311, ext. 248 or nate.robson@lee.net