NORWICH – A man charged with multiple felonies in connection with a fatal drug shooting appeared in court Tuesday in an attempt to lower his bail.
James F. Bush, Burdick-Medbury Road, Town of Norwich, has pleaded not guilty to the 12 felonies brought against him by the Chenango County Grand Jury.
Sheriff’s deputies arrested Bush for aiding another man in the attempted robbery of a local drug dealer, which ultimately led to a gun battle and the death of his alleged co-conspirator, Joshua D. Richheimer of Pittsfield, on July 24.
Tuesday, Bush was again remanded on $100,000 bail to the Chenango County Correctional Facility after Judge W. Howard Sullivan heard arguments from both District Attorney Joseph McBride and assigned defense attorney Joseph J. Ermeti.
“As was just heard, Mr. Bush does have an extensive record with the courts but not in any place, in that record, does he not appear when asked by the court,” said Ermeti.
Ermeti pointed out that there are no eye witnesses in the case and that Richheimer carried with him a backpack in which he could have concealed the sawed-off shot gun.
“I believe he was also found with a screw driver in his possession that might have been used to break the gun apart,” said Ermeti.
McBride said Bush had lied to police investigators, changing his story repeatedly before eventually confessing to his involvement in the crime.
“First he lied to police and told them he had no involvement and then after it was obvious, he admitted to some aspects and minimized his involvement. In the final statement to police, he admitted providing the gun and also that he hid his motorcycle following the failed robbery,” said McBride.
The judge asked the DA about the specifics regarding what was found during a search carried out at the home. Police discovered the sawed-off barrel end belonging to the weapon used in the crime. Ermeti said after his client had been arrested he was the one to alert police to its presence. Ermeti contended that Bush left the scene immediately after he heard gun shots and had no idea what had happened. Police reported that Bush made several phone calls to the residence of the victim and neighbors said he drove past the scene of the crime following the night of the incident.
“Mr. Bush is a career criminal, he knows that you don’t just bring guns, masks, duct tape and gloves without a reason for them. He is no stranger to home invasions according to his rap sheet,” said McBride.
“It’s very clear, very simple. He provided the gun, he provided the transportation, he had a personal relationship with the perpetrator, he gave us everything we need. There is no better case for acting in concert,” said McBride.
Investigators say Bush drove Richheimer to the home of Robert Reynolds, Pleasant Valley Road, Sherburne, on his motorcycle in order to rob Reynolds at gunpoint. Bush is also accused of providing Richheimer with the sawed-off shotgun used in the crime. A police investigation revealed that Reynolds killed Richheimer in self-defense.
Bush was indicted on two counts of first-degree burglary, two counts of first-degree criminal use of a firearm, three counts of first-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree criminal use of a firearm, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a felony, two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
If convicted of the top counts of each crime, Bush could spend the rest of his life in prison.