NORWICH – Two men are in county jail today, each on $1 million bail, accused of conspiring to kill a Norwich police officer and a retired police chief.
The Wednesday arrests came after a drug investigation by the New York State Police, Norwich City Police Department, Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Division of Parole.
Mathew C. Smith, 27, of the Elmira and Norwich area, and Robert W. Gallo Jr., 25, of 22 Sheldon St., Norwich, were both charged with second degree conspiracy, a class B felony. Allegedly the two were planning to kill two city police officers and even attempted to purchase a firearm for the attack.
Acting City Court Judge Maureen Byrne entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of the two defendants yesterday afternoon until legal counsel could be obtained to represent them.
While being informed of his rights by the judge, Smith responded by saying, “ I don’t need an attorney. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I just want my right to a speedy trial.”
Both men denied the charges while leaving court Wednesday, saying they were the target of false accusations by the police.
“During the course of an investigation into local drug activity in the City of Norwich, a possible threat was uncovered. While evaluating the threats, the parties involved committed an overt act to follow through with those threats,” said Norwich Police Chief Joseph Angelino.
Police did not identify the current officer or ex-police chief who were targeted.
The felony complaint against the two men alleges they conspired to murder the two officers and held discussions concerning their plans on more than one occasion. Also the complaint reported that Gallo attempted to purchase a 9 mm rifle from Mayhood’s Sporting Goods this past Sunday with the intent of following through on their alleged threats.
Both men asked to be assign a public defender and will return to Norwich City Court 9 a.m. Monday for a felony hearing.
Also charged in connection with the same drug investigation:
• Adam Maricle, 27, of 6 Natoli Ave., Norwich, was charged with the third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a Class B felony. Allegedly he was selling cocaine out of his home in March, but had only been arrested recently. Maricle’s lawyer Frank Revoir said his client is a lifelong Norwich resident. Revoir also reminded the court his client was not charged with involvement in the plot to kill a Norwich police officer. Maricle admitted to having a prior conviction of possession while asking for bail. Byrne placed bail at $100,000 and scheduled a felony hearing for 11:30 a.m. Friday. Maricle was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional facility.
• Chester Black Jr., 19, of Elmira, was charged with third degree criminal mischief, a Class E felony. Black allegedly damaged a Norwich City Police cell lock while in custody, but police did not say why he was being held in the first place. Black was remanded to county jail on $50,000 cash bail and will appear in court Friday at noon.
Police are expecting further arrests and the court reported a fifth arraignment for another related defendant, but did not say when they would appear.
Angelino said that it is not uncommon for police officers to receive threats to some degree, but said the actions taken by the two defendants created a direct danger to police.
If convicted of a Class B felony, such as second degree conspiracy or third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, Smith, Gallo or Maricle could face a minimum of 10 to 25 years in prison.