NORWICH – Five individuals appeared in Chenango County Court Monday afternoon, three pleading not guilty to the charges brought against them, one admitting to having violating the terms and conditions of his conditional discharge, while another pleaded guilty to fourth degree grand larceny.

• Domenico D. Finkbiner, 18, Sidney, pleaded not guilty to two counts of second degree robbery, a class C felony; one count of second degree assault, a class D felony; and one count of second degree menacing, a class A misdemeanor. The defendant was released on his own recognizance and ordered by the court to remain at his mother’s home in Sidney for the duration of the proceedings. An order of protection was also issued in favor of the alleged victim.

It’s alleged that, while acting in concert with another, Finkbiner did physically injure an individual during the commission of an alleged robbery. Furthermore, what appeared to be a firearm is alleged to have been displayed and pointed at the back of the victim’s head.

After filing the People’s trial-ready notice, Chenango County First Assistant District Attorney Stephen M. Dunshee stated that – due to the violent nature of the crime – bail should be set at $25,000 cash.

Countering Dunshee’s assertion, defense attorney Michael Korchak argued that – because the incident in question was a fight over a controlled substance – Finkbiner’s age makes him eligible for youthful offender status, noting the defendant has a limited criminal history and has ties to the community.