NORWICH – Three were sentenced at Chenango County Court on Nov. 15. Judge Frank B. Revoir, Jr. sent a repeat offender, charged with stealing a tractor, to prison. A deaf offender was sentenced to probation for driving while impaired by drugs, and a youthful offender received probation for a drug charge and was released to his father’s custody.
• John M. Hunt, 27, Norwich, pleaded guilty to grand larceny. “Unfortunately, it’s not looking good for Mr. Hunt. He stole someone’s tractor. The police were on the scene when the transaction took place, and he was arrested right there,” said District Attorney Joseph McBride.
McBride added that Hunt has had a lifetime of criminal activity related to drugs and alcohol. “He needs to be removed from our community. He can’t stay here if he is going to be ripping people off. He will have a couple years to think about what he has done and see what he wants to do.” In 2010, Hunt received a probation sentence of five years for possession of stolen property which he was serving at the time he committed grand larceny.
Hunt received an indeterminate sentence of two to four years and a crime victim fee of $325. “I do not enjoy sending people to prison no matter what they have done. Hopefully it will give you time to reflect upon changing your life. If you do not change the people, places and things, you will fall into the same trap,” said Revoir.
• Thomas E. Bates, 45, Norwich, pleaded guilty to the class E felony of driving while under the influence of drugs. Bates was driving a 1999 Honda Civic on County Highway 32 when he was pulled over.
Officers suspected that he was impaired by drugs. He was given and failed a sobriety test. It was noted that his eyes were glassy, his coordination was impaired and his blood tested positive for Oxycodone, a prescription narcotic. He told the police at the time that he had taken Percocet for pain.
During sentencing Bates’ lawyer, John Cameron, addressed the court and told them that the defendant is deaf or hard of hearing. “I would ask that you speak up a little louder than usual. Judge Revoir’s voice grew significantly louder as he said to Bates, “I want to make sure you understand everything I am saying.” Bates, who wore hearing aids to court, confirmed that he heard everything the Judge was saying.
“I did not know I was under the influence at the time,” said Bates. “But as you stand here today, you acknowledge that fact?” said Judge Revoir. Bates gave an affirmative yes.
Bates received a sentence of five years probation and $1,570 in fees. His driving privileges were also revoked for one year.
“Judge, this defendant has a minimum driving while intoxicated record. He does need to realize that he is putting the community at risk. I don’t think he will do it again,” said McBride. Turning to Bates – McBride said in a loud tone, “Good luck, sir. Hope you do well.”
• Matthew P. Bigelow, 25, Sherburne, pleaded guilty to the class C felony of criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was charged with knowingly and unlawfully possessing 12.93 grams – one-eighth of an ounce or more – of cocaine.
Bigelow was found to be in possession of cocaine after he got into an accident on May 12. He told McBride that he did not use drugs and possessed the drugs with the intention of selling them. He got involved with selling drugs in order to make extra money on the side. He bought the drugs in Chenango County.
“This is the defendant’s first felony offense. He made an error in judgment and now he is paying a serious price for it,” said McBride. Bigelow received a mandatory six months in the Chenango County Correctional Facility and five years probation. The six months in jail will count toward his five years probation. He was released into his father’s custody after being arrested and will stay there until he is incarcerated on January 3, 2014.
“Judge, it is my recommendation that the defendant stay with his father until he completes probation. Defendants living in good situations have more of a chance to do well. They are more likely to successfully complete probation. I would also like to thank the father for stepping up to the plate,” said McBride.
Judge Revoir agreed with McBride’s recommendation and made the stipulation that Bigelow would live in his father’s home unless otherwise approved by his probation officer.
“Your father is standing by you. Most of the time, defendants are standing here by themselves. You are fortunate to have your father backing you up and standing by your side through this ordeal,” said Revoir to Bigelow. Bigelow nodded in agreement and thanked the Judge before walking out of the courtroom with his father by his side.