NORWICH – Nine individuals charged with a variety of misdemeanor and felony crimes appeared in county court Wednesday and Thursday, six pleading guilty, one not guilty, and one remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $50,000 cash bail or bond. A warrant was issued for the arrest of a ninth individual after he failed to appear in court.
• Edward M. Arenth, 24, Coventry, pleaded not guilty to charges of first degree rape, a class B felony; and first degree sexual abuse, a class D felony.
It’s alleged that Arenth, on or about Aug. 14 in the Town of Norwich, engaged in sexual intercourse with a female by forcible compulsion, holding the victim down after being told to stop. He is also accused of forcing sexual contact on that individual, according to his grand jury indictment.
Arenth was released on his own recognizance and an order of protection was issued for the alleged victim. He could face a maximum of 25 years in state prison if convicted and will re-appear in court at a later date.
• Barry L.E. Rattley, 27, Brooklyn, failed to appear for his scheduled court appearance and a bench warrant – requested by Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride – was granted for his arrest. In October, Rattley was indicted on charges of third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class B felony; and fifth degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class D felony.
It’s alleged that Rattley, in August of 2012 in the City of Norwich, did knowingly and unlawfully possess – with the intent to sell – 21 glassine envelopes containing the narcotic heroin, as well as four plastic wraps containing the narcotic cocaine, with an aggregate weight of .65 grams, according to his indictment.
• Marvelous C. Williams, 25, Syracuse, was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $50,000 cash bail or bond after testing positive for marijuana following his scheduled court appearance.
According to McBride, Williams is charged with “a very serious offense,” and was released on bond and ordered not to consume nor possess any alcohol, controlled substances or marijuana. This is the second time Williams has tested positive for marijuana, he added. He will re-appear in court at a later date.
• Jennifer L. Pasciuta, 28, Norwich, pleaded guilty to fourth degree welfare fraud – a class E felony – and is expected to be sentenced to five years probation, as well as paying an estimated $2,945 in restitution.
It’s alleged that Pasciuta “did commit a fraudulent act ... taking or obtaining public assistance benefits” in excess of $1,000 from October of 2010 to October 2011, according to her indictment. She is accused of receiving approximately $2,945 in benefits to which she was not entitled. Pasciuta will re-appear in court at a later date.
• Steven M. Shedd, 27, Norwich, pleaded guilty to aggravated harassment of an employee by an inmate – a class E felony – and is expected to be sentenced to one year at the Chenango County Correctional Facility.
It’s alleged that Shedd, on or about July 22 while incarcerated at the Norwich City PD lock up, threatened or harmed an employee of the Norwich City Police Department, according to his indictment. Shedd is accused of causing – or attempting to cause – said employee to come in contact with blood, seminal fluid, urine or feces when he allegedly threw a cup of urine at a uniformed officer. He will re-appear in court at a later date.
• Kenneth E. Oefelein, 23, Afton, pleaded guilty to failure to register as a sex offender under New York State law and is expected to be sentenced to one year at the Chenango County Correctional Facility.
Indicted by a Chenango County grand jury in August, it’s alleged that Oefelein failed to register with the Division of Criminal Justice Services within ten days of changing his address. According to his indictment, Oefelein, in March of 2012, moved from 97 Briarwood Circle, Goosecreek, SC, to 441 Beebe Road, Coventry, and as of June 13 had not registered with the Sex Offender Unit, over the ten days required to do so. He will re-appear in court at a later date.
• Robert K. Robertson III, 25, Coventry, pleaded guilty to third degree grand larceny – a class D felony – and is expected to be sentenced to six months at the Chenango County Correctional Facility and five years probation, as well as paying approximately $5,881 in restitution.
It’s alleged that Robertson, on or about July 27 in the Village of Greene, stole the property of another in excess of $3,000. According to his indictment, Robertson forged a signature on a personal check that belonged to another individual. He will re-appear in court at a later date.
• Wayne E. Church, 30, Norwich, pleaded guilty to third degree criminal sex act – a class E felony – and is expected to be sentenced to two years in state prison followed by five years of post release supervision.
It’s alleged that Church, in March in the City of Norwich, did unlawfully engage in criminal sexual behavior with a person less than 17 years old. He will re-appear in court at a later date.
• Richard A. Terrell, 27, Afton, pleaded guilty to fourth degree arson – a class E felony – and is expected to be sentenced to one to three years in state prison, executed as parole supervision at the Willard Drug Treatment Center.
In February, Terrell was indicted on counts of second and third degree arson, class B and C felonies respectively, and second degree obstructing governmental administration, a class A misdemeanor, after he allegedly set fire to a Village of Afton residence – occupied by two other individuals at the time – when he kicked over a kerosene heater. He will re-appear in court at a later date.