Man changes mind on plea deal after being thrown in jail
NORWICH – A man pleaded guilty last week to having sex with a minor after he was thrown in jail for threatening the victim at his last court appearance.
On Feb. 8, Michael A. Demuth, 33, of Norwich, pleaded guilty to one count of third degree rape, an E class felony, admitting he had sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl on at least one occasion between March and April of 2008 in the Town of Oxford.
He was sentenced to two years in state prison and five years post-release supervision. He will also have to register as a sex offender for at least 20 years.
On Jan. 22, Demuth was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $20,000 bail after making a threat towards the victim in the case, who was not present in court at the time.
Following a meeting with prosecutor where he failed to come to a plea agreement, a visibly upset Demuth was overheard by a court official and another witness as saying, “I’ll take care of her myself,” as he exited the courtroom.
After returning from a half hour recess, Demuth said he was refusing the plea deal and wanted to go to trial. Chenango County Court Judge Sullivan then remanded him to the county jail on $20,000 cash bail over the remarks.
“I would never do that, your honor. I’m good friends with her (relative),” said Demuth. “I was upset at the time.”
Demuth continued to argue with the judge until he was escorted out by court security. As he left the court, he began yelling and then could be heard striking the walls of the prisoner confinement area before being calmed down by officers.
Last Monday, he accepted the same deal he’d previously turned down.
“I understand I did something wrong, but the girl is 16, pregnant and has two kids,” Demuth told the court before Sullivan passed sentencing. “I just believe my sentence is a little too hard for the circumstances.”
“Circumstances you created by putting yourself in this situation and having a prior criminal record,” Sullivan told Demuth.
In September, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested Demuth and live-in girlfriend, 21-year-old Amanda L. Strozier, saying the two had engaged in various sexual activities with the underage teen over a period of time.
First Assistant District Attorney Stephen M. Dunshee said Strozier had no criminal record and due to her young age was allowed to plead to a misdemeanor and was sentenced to three years probation.
Dunshee said Demuth was convicted of a felony about 11 years ago over a prior burglary offense and was released from prison less than 10 years ago, making him a predicate felon in the new case, which demanded a more severe sentence.
On Feb. 8, Michael A. Demuth, 33, of Norwich, pleaded guilty to one count of third degree rape, an E class felony, admitting he had sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl on at least one occasion between March and April of 2008 in the Town of Oxford.
He was sentenced to two years in state prison and five years post-release supervision. He will also have to register as a sex offender for at least 20 years.
On Jan. 22, Demuth was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $20,000 bail after making a threat towards the victim in the case, who was not present in court at the time.
Following a meeting with prosecutor where he failed to come to a plea agreement, a visibly upset Demuth was overheard by a court official and another witness as saying, “I’ll take care of her myself,” as he exited the courtroom.
After returning from a half hour recess, Demuth said he was refusing the plea deal and wanted to go to trial. Chenango County Court Judge Sullivan then remanded him to the county jail on $20,000 cash bail over the remarks.
“I would never do that, your honor. I’m good friends with her (relative),” said Demuth. “I was upset at the time.”
Demuth continued to argue with the judge until he was escorted out by court security. As he left the court, he began yelling and then could be heard striking the walls of the prisoner confinement area before being calmed down by officers.
Last Monday, he accepted the same deal he’d previously turned down.
“I understand I did something wrong, but the girl is 16, pregnant and has two kids,” Demuth told the court before Sullivan passed sentencing. “I just believe my sentence is a little too hard for the circumstances.”
“Circumstances you created by putting yourself in this situation and having a prior criminal record,” Sullivan told Demuth.
In September, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested Demuth and live-in girlfriend, 21-year-old Amanda L. Strozier, saying the two had engaged in various sexual activities with the underage teen over a period of time.
First Assistant District Attorney Stephen M. Dunshee said Strozier had no criminal record and due to her young age was allowed to plead to a misdemeanor and was sentenced to three years probation.
Dunshee said Demuth was convicted of a felony about 11 years ago over a prior burglary offense and was released from prison less than 10 years ago, making him a predicate felon in the new case, which demanded a more severe sentence.
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