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NORWICH – The plea and sentencing of a former New York City Police Officer, Richard C. Swanson III, took place when the Chenango County Court met for a morning session on June 3.
Assistant District Attorney Laura Parker appeared in court to represent the people of Chenango County, while The Honorable Judge Frank B. Revoir Jr. presided over the matter.
Swanson, 52, of Oxford, was involved in a two-car collision on State Route 12, just north of the NY-220/NY-12 intersection near 4504 State Highway 12, on April 16, 2015.
Chenango County Sheriff's deputies on the scene of the accident alleged that Heather Bradley, of Binghamton, was traveling northbound on State Route 12 when Swanson's half-ton GMC pickup failed to yield the right of way, forcing Bradley's Ford Explorer to come into contact with Swanson's vehicle.
Following the accident, Bradley had to be extracted from her vehicle. She was transported to UHS–Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City for minor injuries.
In addiction to the injuries and the damage done to both vehicles, a fire hydrant along the west side of State Highway 12 was completely removed from its base as a result of impact from one of the vehicles.
Swanson was administered a field sobriety test at the scene of the accident and later arrested and charged for driving while intoxicated by investigation officer Deputy Hitt of the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office.
Swanson appeared in court with his defense council Thomas O'Hern. He agreed to enter pleas of guilty to two charges; Vehicular assault in the first degree, a class D felony; and Driving while intoxicated, a class A misdemeanor. ADA Parker said that the people had reached out to the victim multiple times regarding restitution, but never received a reply, so there would be no necessary restitution payable to the victim.
Parker requested that Swanson be sentenced to six months incarceration.
“This is a very serious situation,” said Parker. “He (Swanson) could of killed the victim or himself. He put society and himself at risk and he must face the consequences.”
O'Hern, speaking on behalf of his client, said, “One of the gauges when examining a situation like this is looking at how the defendant has lived under the shadow of the charges he is facing. Richard has done that for over a year. He has no violations.” O'Hern continued, “He (Swanson) has never had any involvement with the court before, except (for) when he was a police officer. The probation department knows best. They recommend that the court impose probation.”
Before Judge Revoir made his decision on sentencing, Swanson was given the chance to speak. He said, “I would like to say that I'm very sorry that this incident ever happened. I'm thankful that it didn't end in a worse outcome.”
Judge Revoir weighed in on the case before he handed down a sentence, “This is a very difficult and tough case,” he said. “It is a bizarre situation. Thankfully nobody was killed. You have been very remorseful, and done everything we've asked.”
Revoir sentenced Swanson to 30 days in the Chenango County Correctional Facility, with credit for time served. He also imposed three years of probation to run concurrently. Swanson must also install an ignition interlock system in his vehicle, for which he will be assessed all costs. Along with these punishments, Swanson's driving privileges were also revoked for a year.
A written waiver of appeal was signed at the conclusion of proceedings.