NORWICH – The future of Benjamin Ryan, 20, lay in the hands of the Chenango County Court Monday. “We ask that Mr. Ryan be removed from our community,” said District Attorney Joseph McBride. His defense attorney, Alan Gordon, responded to the court, “To say we’re giving up on a 20-year-old man with no criminal history is a shame.”

Ryan was arrested for 2nd degree burglary, but had no prior trouble with the law. Ryan was referred to Treatment Court, because he had an established past involving drugs and alcohol.

Ryan had been admitted to treatment court ,but had violated his probation on more than one occasion by failing to check in or not appearing for a meeting, said Gordon. “Probation is done with him, judge. They don’t want him,” said McBride. “Probation has to deal with people they don’t want to all the time. Unfortunately it’s part of their job,” said Gordon.