NORWICH – Norwich woman – who claimed sobriety in The Daily Star but was allegedly selling narcotics – was arraigned, and a convicted burglar was sent to prison after violating probation by using drugs and alcohol.
• Anastasia D. Hallenbeck, 25, Norwich, was indicted on Jan. 21 for charges in two separate cases.
In the first case, Hallenbeck was indicted on two counts of criminal sale of controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony.
It is alleged on or about Dec. 2, 2014 on Front Street in City of Norwich and on or about Dec. 4, 2014 at a Brown Street residence, Hallenbeck did knowingly and unlawfully sell the narcotic drug heroin.
In the second case, Hallenbeck was indicted on criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a class A misdemeanor.
It is alleged on or about Sept. 1, 2014 at approximately 4:34 p.m. on Rexford Street in the City of Norwich, Hallenbeck did knowingly and unlawfully possess seven individually wrapped corner wraps of the narcotic drug cocaine with the intent to sell.
Hallenbeck was on the front page of the Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, 2014 Weekend edition of The Daily Star claiming to be sober and struggling with heroin addiction. She also said in the article that Norwich has a heroin epidemic and it is difficult to get sober because of it.
A month later, on Dec. 16, 2014, the Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested Hallenbeck for selling heroin. Authorities said, “It is alleged that Hallenbeck sold heroin on multiple occasions within the City of Norwich.”
Hallenbeck was arraigned on Feb. 2 in Chenango County Court for all counts in the two separate indictments.
She pleaded not guilty to all counts in each separate indictment.
First Assistant District Attorney Michael D. Ferrarese said Hallenbeck allegedly sold narcotic drugs on two separate dates and was on probation at the time.
“She faces a substantial amount of prison time. She was not only possessing with intent to sell but actually selling in the area,” said Ferrarese.
Ferrarese requested bail be set at $5,000 cash for each count in both indictments.
Hallenbeck's public defender, Cameron, did not object to the requested bail amounts.
Judge Frank B. Revoir, Jr. remanded Hallenbeck back to the county jail on $5,000 cash bail or a $50,000 bond for each count.
• Charles S. Baker, 23, Norwich, pleaded guilty to the class C felony of attempted burglary in the second degree last year and as part of his sentence, he was placed on probation. One of the conditions of his probation was to refrain from using drugs and alcohol.
Baker was arraigned on Feb. 2 in Chenango County Court for violating his probation by using drugs and alcohol.
He signed positive drug and alcohol screening statements in August and November of 2014. He specifically tested positive for Vicodin, morphine, roxicodone, Suboxone, alcohol or a combination of those drugs on more than one occasion.
Ferrarese said Baker also left the state of New York to go to New Jersey and fill a Suboxone prescription.
“The People would just like to reiterate that in June of last year you were given the chance to turn your life around, but you didn't. Now you are going to be spending the next couple years in prison, and I hope when you get out you live a relatively crime-free life,” said Ferrarese.
“When I get out of prison, I am going to better my life for my kids and my family. No more crimes or anything,” said Baker.
Revoir sentenced Baker to two years determinate in the New York State Department of Corrections, plus one and a half years post release supervision.
Baker will be required to finish paying restitution as part of his sentence.
“You are still a very young man in my book.” said Revoir. “I don't like sending anyone to prison, because I am always concerned about whether you come out better or worse.”