NORWICH – Recently, four individuals were arraigned in Chenango County Court with regard to felony charges against them.
•Diana R. Essig, 27, Afton, class B felony of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree and the class D felony of promotion of prison contraband in the first degree. She is currently incarcerated at Chenango County Correctional Facility.
Essig pleaded not guilty to all counts.
“The defendant was in possession of narcotic drugs with the intention to sell. She has an outstanding indictment for selling drugs in Delaware County. She is facing substantial prison time for both matters. Delaware County wants her to be considered for a judicial diversion program,” said McBride.
Revoir set bail at $25,000 cash or $100,000 bond.
• Kevin D. Knickerson, 49, Bainbridge, was charged with the class D felony of menacing a police officer and the class A misdemeanor of menacing in second degree.
Knickerson pleaded not guilty to all counts. After being taken to a psychiatric hospital then arrested, Knickerson posted a $2,500 cash bail in the local court and was released.
“The defendant pointed a rifle at a police officer during a standoff situation. I know he was under the influence at the time of the incident,” said McBride.
Knickerson’s lawyer said that he would like to request a psychiatric evaluation of his client and that all of his weapons had been surrendered to the local authorities. He also said that despite the seriousness of the charge, his client still attended court. He explained that he is not a flight risk, because he works in a family-owned trucking business and has owned a home in Bainbridge since 1988.
Revoir did not request additional bail and continued bail at the same amount.
Revoir also ordered that Knickerson undergo a psychiatric evaluation, does not use or possess any firearms and does not consume any alcohol. He does have permission to leave the state solely for his trucking business work.
• Martin A. Provo, 51, Guilford, was charged with two counts of the class B felony of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, the class C felony of criminal possession of marijuana in the first degree and the class D felony of reckless endangerment in the fourth degree. After being arrested, he posted $10,000 cash bail and was released.
Provo pleaded not guilty on all counts to Judge Joseph Cawley.
“I am not requiring any extra bail, but there is an allegation that he shot at somebody. We would request that a no-contact protection order be issued for the victim,” said McBride
“The victim and my client’s fathers are friends, so they will be speaking, but not about this matter,” said Provo’s defense attorney, Christopher Grace.
“I am aware of the friendship and have no objection to it continuing, as long as no one is being influenced,” said McBride.
Provo said that the sheriff currently has all of his firearms. He was told that he will be undergoing a pre-plea investigation and be placed in the A.T.I. program. He is not to possess or use any firearms or use any drugs or alcohol.
• Douglas P. Slate, 50, Plymouth, was charged with the class D felony of driving while intoxicated. He was released on his own recognizance.
Slate pleaded not guilty to Judge Cawley.
Bail was not requested by the prosecution or set by the judge.
“The defendant has a long history of drug and alcohol offenses. He has two prior felony DWI convictions,” said McBride.
“I am going to put you in the pre-trial release program, A.T.I. You will be given random urine screenings. You cannot test positive,” said Cawley. “I am also revoking your license and you are not to operate a motor vehicle.
“I would request that he release his driver’s license to the court at this time,” said McBride.
Slate surrendered his driver’s license to the court.