NORWICH – Four people charged with various misdemeanor and felony crimes pleaded guilty in county court Monday, while a fifth case involving an alleged assault on a City of Norwich police officer and driving while intoxicated charge may be one step closer to trial.
Brandon M. Peckham, 19, formerly of Greene, re-appeared in court Monday, and was released on his own recognizance after testing negative for any illegal substances.
In March, Peckham pleaded not guilty to charges of second degree assault, a class D felony, third degree criminal mischief, a class E felony, driving while intoxicated and resisting arrest, both class A misdemeanors. It’s alleged that Peckham, in late November, damaged a city police cruiser, kicking out a window and causing approximately $1,200 in damage.
Chenango County Assistant District Attorney Stephen Dunshee asked that Peckham – who was recently arrested on a charge of sexual misconduct in Tompkins County – be remanded to the county correctional facility. According to Peckham’s attorney, public defender John Cameron, his client is innocent of that charge, and has been “fully compliant” with the court’s orders to date.
The case was adjourned and placed on the trial calendar, and Peckham was ordered by Judge W. Howard Sullivan not to consume or possess any alcohol, controlled substances, bath salts or other designer drugs or marijuana before being released. He will re-appear in court at a later date.
Four individuals pleaded guilty in county court Monday:
• Devon Ireland, 17, Bainbridge, pleaded guilty to three counts of first degree sexual abuse – a class D felony – and was sentenced to ten years probation. Ireland will spend the first six months of that sentence – with time served – in the Chenango County Correctional Facility and must register as a sex offender as well.
It was alleged that Ireland, on Dec. 3, 2011 and in November of the same year, unlawfully engaged in sexual conduct with individuals under the age of 11.
• Timothy Rude, 23, Norwich, pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child – a class A misdemeanor – and was sentenced to nine months, with credit for time served, in the Chenango County Correctional Facility.
In April, Rude pleaded not guilty to one count of third degree rape, a class E felony, after being charged with the sex crime in March. Assistant District Attorney Dunshee advised Rude that “this is his last chance” and his “next stop is state prison.”
Judge Sullivan concurred and repeated Dunshee’s warning, telling Rude his criminal history is “going to come back to haunt you.”
• Benjamin Ryan, 26, Oxford, pleaded guilty to one count of third degree burglary – a class D felony – and was sentenced to two to four years in state prison, to be served as parole supervision at the Willard Drug Treatment Center.
It was alleged that Ryan, on or about March 17 at a Merchant Street business in the Village of Oxford, did knowingly enter and unlawfully remain – with the intent to commit a crime – stealing approximately $1,000 in currency.
• Jennifer Alvarez, 33, Norwich, pleaded guilty to one count of fourth degree grand larceny, a class E felony, and admitted to violating the terms of her probation.
Alvarez’s probation was terminated and she will be sentenced to one year in the Chenango County Correctional Facility. It’s alleged that she stole approximately $2,000 from a Town of Norwich business while she was on probation. Sentencing was adjourned until Sept. 24 and Alvarez could face up to eight years in state prison if she were to violate the conditions of her release.