NORWICH – Thursday Peter M. Wlasiuk, 38, Oxford, appeared before the judge that had previously recused himself from the accused murder’s case.
Judge Howard Sullivan was asked by acting Chenango County Court Judge Martin E. Smith to carry out Wlasiuk’s arraignment. Before proceeding to legal matters the judge asked both Wlasiuk and his defense attorney Randel Scharf if they wished to proceed.
Wlasiuk pleaded not guilty to the second degree murder charge indicted against him yesterday by a Chenango County grand jury.
Scharf also reported he will be unable to represent Wlasiuk any longer because of the family’s lack of funds to pay for his defense, which has cost over $30,000 so far, said Scharf.
“At this time I actually do not represent Mr. Wlasiuk but will proceed as his attorney for this arraignment. But I ask it be placed on the record judge,” said Scharf. Scharf also notified the court that Wlasiuk had filled out a public assistance form that had yet to be approved. Wlasiuk had filed for a public defender prior to retaining Scharf and had been approved last year.
Judge Sullivan said the decision to approve and appoint Wlasiuk a public defender rested solely with Judge Smith who was presiding on a separate murder case in Broome County for the day.
Wlasiuk was arrested on April 8, 2002 and later found guilty of second degree murder for allegedly killing his wife Patricia. He was sentenced to 25 years to life, Jan. 3, 2003.
His conviction was appealed last year and he has since been awaiting a retrial. His past indictment was later thrown out by Judge Smith, citing similar findings as the state Appellate Division.
Wlasiuk is currently being held at the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail. No new court date has been set.

e-mail: tmurphy@evesun.com