By Brittany Grove
Sun Staff Writer
bgrove@evesun.com
NORWICH- Matthew W. Bullock, 42, Greene, was sentenced at Chenango County Court on Nov. 18 by Judge Frank B. Revoir Jr. Before court proceedings, a large group of Bullock’s family and friends filed down the last row in the courtroom, taking up 11 seats, and awaited the fate of their loved one.
Bullock was convicted of two counts of the class D felony of criminal sexual act in the second degree; and the class A misdemeanor of endangering the welfare of a child on Sept. 16, after a three-day bench trial. It was alleged that Bullock engaged in a criminal sexual act with a person under the age of 15 in March, 2012.
During the trial, the mother of the teenage male victim said that her son suffers from ADHD and a slight case of autism and that she, her son and her other children lived with Bullock at his residence in Greene when the alleged crimes took place.
The teenage boy testified that Bullock watched “Star Trek” with the him in Bullock’s bedroom, where the only TV in the house was located, and engaged in various sexual acts with him on more than one occasion. Bullock admitted that it was inappropriate for an adult man and a teenage boy to share a bed, but testified that he did not engage in the sexual acts that the teenage boy said he did.
A former girlfriend of Bullock testified that the teenage boy and Bullock spent a lot of time together and that their relationship seemed inappropriate. She said that it even caused problems in their relationship. She testified that she had witnessed inappropriate touching between the two, including them rubbing each other’s shoulders.
The defense argued that Bullock had planned on moving to Florida and evicting the teenage boy and his family. The mother and the boy, who had grown attached to Bullock, were upset by this. Bullock’s lawyer, Scott Clippinger, said that they wanted to get revenge on Bullock and said that there were inconsistencies with the teenage boy’s statement about when and what happened between him and Bullock.
“The nature of the crimes and the acts committed are very serious. I understand that because of the nature of the crimes, the defendant may not want to admit to them publicly or even privately to family. He has not accepted responsibility for the crimes he has committed, even after receiving punishment,” said District Attorney Joe McBride.
He went on to say that Bullock needs to be removed from society for a period of time in order to protect the community and punish Bullock for the crimes he has committed. He also said that the victim and his family were not here but would ask the judge to consider the statements they made in the pre-sentencing report.
“I would ask that you give him the maximum sentence that fits the crimes he has committed, Judge,” said McBride.
Clippinger also addressed the judge and said that before the case went to trial, McBride offered Bullock six months jail time and five years probation. He said that this was after McBride knew what the alleged acts were and that he still offered him that deal. He also said that there are a “plethora of sentences” that can be given for this “alleged crime.”
“My client has been driving schoolbuses and supervising school bus drivers for many years. He has worked with children most of his adult life. There has been no hint that my client has endangered any children during his career. My client has worked his whole life. After being charged, my client found two jobs because that’s what he does. He works.” said Clippinger.
“There was no violence here. My client exercised his right to a trial, because he still believes he is innocent. I would like to request the minimum sentence, Judge,” added Clippinger.
Judge Revoir then asked Bullock if he would like to say anything on his behalf. In a low whisper, with tears in his eyes, the defendant mumbled something inaudible. The stenographer said that she could not hear him. Clippinger asked Bullock to speak up. Once again, the Judge and the stenographer said they could not hear him.
Tears still in his eyes and in a low voice, Bullock said, “Just show me some leniency, please.”
Clippinger said, “He is having trouble speaking, Judge. He is very emotional about this.”
After hearing the D.A., defense lawyer and Bullock’s statements, the Judge said, “Okay. The court will admit that this has been a difficult case. I am aware of the original offer. No defendant is ever punished for exercising his right to trial, but I have to look at the facts and circumstances.”
McBride continued and said, “I find it incredible that this 15 year-old boy would testify to very embarrassing things about himself, because his mother, who was not even in an intimate relationship with you, was mad at you. What I heard from the defense was nonsense. It is ridiculous to think that a woman would make up a story like that and go to such great lengths for the reasons given during trial. I gave him (the 15 year-old victim) full credibility.”
“I am sorry to hear you are not taking responsibility for what you have done,” said Revoir. He then sentenced Bullock to a two year determinate sentence and five years of post-release supervision for the first count, one year definite sentence for the second count, one year of conditional release for the third count, and $1,425 in fees.
The sentences will be served concurrently. Bullock will also have to register as a sex offender and have no contact with the victim. When Bullock was given his sentence, a few of his family and friends cried when they heard he was going to prison.
Clippinger handed over a large white envelope to the court and said, “The defense would like to go on the record that I am giving a Notice of Appeal to the court.”