NORWICH – Elliott J. Stewart, 20, of Norwich, pleaded guilty to fifth degree possession of a controlled substance, a class D felony, on July 18.
According to a plea agreement reached between Stewart’s public defender Alan Gordon, the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office and the court, he will be sentenced to one year interim probation, during which he will be required to successfully complete drug treatment court. If he meets the terms of the interim probation, he will be allowed to plea to a lesser charge of seventh degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class A misdemeanor, with an agreed upon sentence of three years probation.
Judge W. Howard Sullivan reminded Stewart that if he does not successfully complete the prescribed treatment court, or otherwise fails to follow the terms of his interim probation, he will face 2 1/2 years in state prison plus one year post-release supervision on the felony charge.
The charge stemmed from an incident which took place on Feb. 16 in the City of Norwich, when Stewart and another individual were stopped by Sheriff’s deputies.
“During the traffic stop, the deputy observed what appeared to be heroin packaging on the floor of the car,” reported Lt. Richard Cobb of the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office.
A subsequent search of the car and Stewart’s residence revealed a total of 33 packets of heroin, apparently packaged for sale. According to Cobb, the drugs had an approximate street value of $300 to $350.
According to Gordon, Stewart has completed a drug rehabilitation program since his arrest. Both Assistant District Attorney Stephen Dunshee and Judge Sullivan complimented the young man on the changes in his demeanor since taking that step.
“The choices you’ve made recently have been good choices,” said Sullivan. “You’re a young man ... you’ve got the rest of (your life) ahead of you.”