You might as well replace the eagle on this paper's front page with a jailbird because the editor of the Mineola American has finally been thrown behind bars. Okay stop the applause.

The crime according to Judge Eleanor Franklin, "You are charged with having too many typographical errors in your newspaper." Seeing the futility in a plea of innocence, the editor opted to plead guilty and face the consequences.

It seemed an appropriate sentence; the first 30 seconds behind bars, the rest of the time to be spent making phone calls from jail requesting bail money that would go toward the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

MDA District Director Ronni Kall explained that the MDA Lock Up is a fun program has been going on for several years. Each time a new restaurant and area is chosen to reach new people.

This year the jail was provided by Mahoney's in Williston Park and the convicts were from the Williston Park and Mineola area and included recent PTA honorees Bill and Karen Wiley, MAPD Chief Mike Spae and the many generous local business people and residents.

Normally, after a person volunteers to participate, a limousine and escort, sometimes members of the US Marine Corp, arrive to pick one up at his or her place of business and presents the convict with a warrant for their arrest.

The convict is then transported to the jail and has one hour to raise as much money as he or she can with the use of a cellular phone. Before the actual jail time, the participants are given a bail log with which they can raise money beforehand. But some of the less prepared convicts (ahem) must raise the money by phone.

"I think it is a great idea the way they do it, said volunteer mug shot photographer Mike Stasko. Stasko and Franklin are members of Northrop Grumman Care Cats, an organization that loans out volunteers to help in charity events such as this.

This was Stasko's first time, but Franklin has played judge before relying on her self-described, "King Solomon" wisdom in deciding each case.

Over the years she has seen many a memorable sight, including the delivery of a cake that allegedly had a file baked into it.

All kidding aside, the money goes toward helping three components of the MDA; the clinic, including transportation to and from the clinic, check-ups, support groups and physical therapy; a week-long trip to summer camp for children; and research toward finding a cure.

"We are trying to improve the quality of life, while looking for a cure," said Kall.

The editor's sentence was later commuted to a work release program in which he was charged with spreading the word about the important work of the MDA. Some theorized it was his political connections that garnered the editor such a sweet deal. Some suggested the MDA did anything they could to get rid of him. In any case the editor will do what he can to help.

Anyone wishing to donate to MDA should send their donations to: 5 Dakota Drive, Suite 108, Lake Success, NY 11042, Attn: Ronni.