Cayuga County Judge Mark Fandrich thanked an Auburn man for his cooperation in court after he produced $1,277 in cash from his pocket to pay restitution stemming from a felony grand larceny charge for issuing a bad check.

As Michael Lang, 27, of 45 Chedell Place, Apt. 4, Auburn, held the large wad of cash in his hand, he declined chance to adjourn his case for two weeks so that he could find an attorney to represent him in Cayuga County Court.

“I would rather just take care of this now and get it out of the way,” Lang said.

Lang had tried to solve the money issue privately but the matter ended up going to Auburn City Court before moving to county court after Lang was indicted on June 20.

The money Lang brought with him was enough to pay back the Tropical Fish Emporium with interest for an aquarium and equipment he purchased on June 21, 2007.

Lang admitted he knew he had a negative bank account balance when he wrote the check.

Cayuga County Chief Assistant District Attorney Christopher Valdina said he would allow Lang to plead down to petit larceny, a misdemeanor, with no additional punishment because he paid back the restitution with interest.