NORWICH – A man from Guilford and former Chenango County corrections officer pleaded guilty on Monday to robbery in the first degree, a class B felony and intimidating a witness in the third degree, a class E felony.
He was given a determinate sentence of five years in the state department of corrections with five years post release supervision for the first count, and a definite sentence of one year incarceration for the second. The sentences will run concurrently. An order of protection was also issued in favor of the victim and the victim's family (associated with the count of intimidating a witness).
Mark A. Alemar, 35, was originally charged with unlawfully entering a residence in Oxford on Dec. 30, 2013, forcing the victim to lay on the floor by pointing a gun at her and stealing her cell phone. He was armed with a handgun, stick and taser and was in concert with others.
Under oath, Alemar explained that he and his cohorts entered the house in order to find drugs and drug money.
“We made her lay down on the ground and searched the house,” he said and admitted he had a handgun pointed at her.
Alemar also admitted that on Jan. 22, 2014, he wrongfully intimidated a co-defendant by threatening death to him and his family. The co-defendant had testified to witnessing a drug transaction.
Said First Assistant District Attorney Stephen Dunshee, who has known the defendant for ten years, “He (Alemar) has a positive outlook and wants to get life on track ... The people wish him the best.”
“You have a slightly different background than I normally see. You jumped from a clean felony record to a B felony ... It does appear to be out of character for you,” said Judge Frank Revoir, Jr.
Revoir explained that he had been notified that there was some drug involvement, which may have influenced the criminal acts. The court took Alemar's previously clean background into consideration and sentenced him to five years incarceration for the first count, which is the minimum number of years of sentencing for a class B felony.
Sheriff Ernest Cutting, Jr., of the Chenango County Sheriff's Office, explained that Alemar had resigned from his position as a Chenango County correctional officer approximately a year ago.
“It's a shame that for whatever reason he (Alemar) went down the wrong path,” said Cutting. “I know he has a family. I feel bad for them. I'm glad he has taken the right step by pleading guilty and taking responsibility for the charges. I hope in the future he can change his life and be a positive member of society.”