NORWICH – A Cincinnatus man charged with manslaughter over the death of his girlfriend’s 16-month-old son, appeared in court Thursday, to accept a plea deal handed down from the Chenango County District Attorney’s office.

Jason Allen Sherman, 24, of 5223 Piety Hill Road, who was originally charged with two counts of first-degree manslaughter and one count of second-degree assault, took a the plea indicating charges of manslaughter in the first degree.

Sherman, who in previous court proceedings had been cited as having a criminal history including criminal sexual acts and beating another child, will be required to spend the next 10 years in state prison and an additional five years under post release supervision. According to District Attorney Joseph A. McBride, the defendant will face sentencing at a later date.