NORWICH – A drug dealer responsible for killing a man in self defense pleaded guilty in court Monday.
Robert R. Reynolds, of 476 Pleasant Valley Road, Sherburne, pleaded guilty to second degree criminal possession of marijuana (D felony) for having between three and four pounds of the drug at his home when he was arrested.
Reynolds is facing one to two and a half years in state prison. In exchange for this plea, Reynolds had to surrender his bank accounts and some property totaling nearly $30,000. The money will go to the county to be used by local law enforcement agencies in drug prevention programs.
Reynolds has also agreed to testify to the events that took place on the night in question and against any other parties present.
Reynolds shot and killed Joshua D. Richheimer, 32, on July 24 in self defense as he attempted to break into his Sherburne home, and then with the help of his neighbor, Nicholas S. Simonds, 21, allegedly buried the body a few hundred yards from his house.
“Mr. Reynolds is still facing two and a half years in prison for his illegal drug business. This is the best example of why we want to keep pressure on people selling marijuana. People think it’s a harmless drug, but it does end in violence just like any other illegal activity involving addiction and money,” said District Attorney Joseph McBride.
James F. Bush, 46, of Burdick-Medbury Road, Town of Norwich, was also arrested for first-degree burglary, attempted robbery and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, by the Chenango County Sheriff Office. Bush allegedly drove Richheimer to Reynolds’ house on his motorcycle and owned the sawed-off shot-gun used in the attempted crime. Police said Bush has a long criminal history, but would not release specifics. Reynolds is expected to testify against Bush.
County Court Judge W. Howard Sullivan adjourned the case after Reynolds pleaded guilty and said he will finalize a sentence after Reynolds fulfills his agreement to testify.
Reynolds was previously arrested in 1990 and served a sentence of 3 to 9 years in state prison for drug charges stemming from the possession of 10 pounds of marijuana.
Reynolds told police he acted in self-defense on July 24, when Richheimer allegedly broke into his residence armed with a sawed-off shotgun. Reynolds said he armed himself with his own 12-gauge he kept loaded next to his bed and the two men then engaged each other inside the house. Reynolds said he was shot at first and that he returned fire. Richheimer was hit in the stomach and a autopsy later confirmed the injury as the cause of his death. Reynolds led police to the body following his arrest.
“He (Richheimer) came into the house armed and hooded with articles for the purpose of either torturing or restraining my client,” said Reynolds’ defense attorney, Scott Clippinger.
Sheriff Thomas Loughren also said that Richhiemer was the aggressor following an extensive investigation by his office.
Simonds was released earlier and his case is pending in court. He is charged with tampering with evidence.
Reynolds thanked the court before being remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility, where he is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.