(10/23/06) MINEOLA - The Nassau Detectives Association appealed for a harsher sentencing for an alleged home intruder Monday.

Suspect Ernest Colon struck a deal with Judge Richard LaPera to serve no more than 12 years for an Oceanside home invasion that took place last August. According to police, Colon broke into the house, held a screwdriver to the homeowner's chest and threatened the lives of his children. Police suspect Colon in about 20 other break-ins that month. The district attorney's office recommended Colon be imprisoned for 25 years.

Judge LePera's deal with Colon allowed the trial to be skipped. Sentencing was scheduled for Tuesday, but sources tell News 12 Long Island the Nassau Detectives Association's letter to the judge caused postponement of the proceedings.

The legal proceedings of Efram Russell, the other man charged in the intrusion, have not been questioned by the detectives association.