Accused rapist turns down deal, opts for trial
NORWICH – A Columbus man indicted for rape turned down a plea bargain that would have let him walk out of the courtroom a free man. He will instead take his chances with a jury of his peers, risking up to 25 years in state prison.
Lance Jeff Mills, 48, Columbus, has been sitting in the county jail for the last 11 months on $50,000 bail waiting for his day in court.
Mills’ primary public defender, Alan Gordon, fell ill and the court was forced to reschedule his trial which was supposed to begin this afternoon.
Mills appeared in court with a temporary attorney from the Public Defender’s Office, John D. Cameron.
Cameron explained his client’s position regarding a plea deal offered by the DA. Cameron explained the top charge of first degree rape and all other charges would be satisfied if Mills pleaded guilty to third degree assault and accepted a three-year order of protection to stay away from the victim.
Third degree assault is a class A misdemeanor that would have released Mills with the time he has already served. First degree rape is a B felony carrying a sentence of up to 25 years in state prison. Cameron informed the court that both he and Gordon had discussed the plea with Mills and he had decided to refuse it.
District Attorney Joseph McBride said the victim was very reluctant to relive the encounter on the stand. The victim in the case had a close personal relationship with Mills. The DA also said there was a concern of having the details of that relationship exploited at trial.
On March 25, the victim contacted the State Police. Police recorded a conversation between the victim and Mills where he allegedly apologized to her for the incident.
Mills is a registered sex offender with a conviction of first degree sexual abuse in 1997.
County Court Judge W. Howard Sullivan reduced Mills’ bail at the request of the defense to $25,000. He was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility and his trial will be rescheduled for the next trial term.
Lance Jeff Mills, 48, Columbus, has been sitting in the county jail for the last 11 months on $50,000 bail waiting for his day in court.
Mills’ primary public defender, Alan Gordon, fell ill and the court was forced to reschedule his trial which was supposed to begin this afternoon.
Mills appeared in court with a temporary attorney from the Public Defender’s Office, John D. Cameron.
Cameron explained his client’s position regarding a plea deal offered by the DA. Cameron explained the top charge of first degree rape and all other charges would be satisfied if Mills pleaded guilty to third degree assault and accepted a three-year order of protection to stay away from the victim.
Third degree assault is a class A misdemeanor that would have released Mills with the time he has already served. First degree rape is a B felony carrying a sentence of up to 25 years in state prison. Cameron informed the court that both he and Gordon had discussed the plea with Mills and he had decided to refuse it.
District Attorney Joseph McBride said the victim was very reluctant to relive the encounter on the stand. The victim in the case had a close personal relationship with Mills. The DA also said there was a concern of having the details of that relationship exploited at trial.
On March 25, the victim contacted the State Police. Police recorded a conversation between the victim and Mills where he allegedly apologized to her for the incident.
Mills is a registered sex offender with a conviction of first degree sexual abuse in 1997.
County Court Judge W. Howard Sullivan reduced Mills’ bail at the request of the defense to $25,000. He was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility and his trial will be rescheduled for the next trial term.
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