NORWICH – The Chenango County grand jury met last week and handed up a number of criminal indictments. At the proceeding, the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office presents evidence against those they wish to prosecute. It is up to the jury to decide if there is enough reasonable cause to charge a person with a felony offense.
Those indicted by the grand jury are arraigned before the county or Supreme Court judge at a later date.
The grand jury indicted six individuals:
• Wayne E. Church, 30, Norwich, was indicted on two counts of third degree criminal sexual act, a class E felony, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor.
It’s alleged that Church, in March and August of 2012, did unlawfully engage in criminal sexual behavior with a person less than 17 years old.
• James K. Smith, 32, Sherburne, was indicted on charges of third degree grand larceny, a class D felony, and petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor.
Smith is accused of stealing approximately $22,260 between the months of February and July of 2012 while employed in the Town of Columbus. According to his indictment, Smith – while employed by Staffworks – would arrive at work, clock in and leave the premises, later returning to clock out. It’s alleged he received more than $22,260 in wages that he was not entitled to.
• Matthew C. Goodwin, 29, Afton, was indicted on charges of operation of a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 of one percent or higher and driving while intoxicated, both class E felonies.
It’s alleged that Goodwin, on or about Aug. 11, 2012, did operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .14 of one percent, nearly twice the legal limit. According to his indictment, Goodwin was observed swaying while he walked, speaking with a slurred voice, having bloodshot and watery eyes, and smelling strongly of alcohol at the time of his arrest.
He has one prior driving while intoxicated conviction dating from Dec. 17, 2007, in the Village of Bainbridge Court.
• Thomas J. Kopec Jr., 27, Sherburne, was indicted on charges of second degree burglary, a class C felony; third degree burglary, a class D felony; and third degree assault, a class A misdemeanor.
It’s alleged that Kopec, on or about Aug. 20 in the Town of Sherburne, did knowingly enter and unlawfully remain in a private residence with the intent to commit a crime, later assaulting another individual, punching the victim in the head and face causing bruising and a bloody nose.
• Robert K. Robertson III, 25, Coventry, was indicted on charges of third degree grand larceny and second degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, both class D felonies; criminal possession of stolen property fourth degree grand larceny, both class E felonies; and petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor.
It’s alleged that Robertson, in July and August of 2012, did steal the property of another in excess of $3,000. According to his indictment, Robertson withdrew approximately $3,800 from another person’s bank account on or about July 27 in the Village of Green. He’s also accused of forging a signature on a personal check that belonged to that individual. In August, it’s alleged that Robertson withdrew additional funds from that person’s bank account after stealing a credit/debit card.
• Matthew W. Bullock, 40, Largo, Fla., was indicted on two counts of second degree criminal sexual act, a class D felony, and endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor.
It’s alleged that Bullock, in March of 2012, did engage in a criminal sexual act with a person under the age of 15. He was arrested by Florida authorities on an active bench warrant issued by Chenango County Court and transferred by New York State Police to Chenango County.