Two plead not guilty in court

NORWICH – Two individuals pleaded not guilty in county court Monday – one facing multiple felony counts of weapon possession – while four others were sentenced following guilty pleas or agreed upon dispositions in regards to their respective cases.

• Henry W. Hemsley, 73, Norwich and Pennsylvania, made his second appearance in county court Monday and was once again released on his own recognizance after posting $2,500 cash bail in September following his original arraignment.

Hemsley was indicted by a Chenango County grand jury in December, charged with second degree criminal possession of marijuana, a class D felony; six counts of third degree criminal possession of a weapon, a class D felony; and seven counts of fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon, a class A misdemeanor.

Hemsley’s attorney, J. Ermeiti, speaking on his client’s behalf, entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.

It’s alleged that Hemsley, in September, was found to be in possession of 45 marijuana plants – more than 16 ounces – as well as a number of fully automatic machine guns, including two, 7.62 caliber AK47s and three, 5.56 caliber Colt M16s. Seven other semi-automatic hand guns and revolvers belonging to Hemsley were also discovered, according to the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office.

The charges stem from a Chenango County Sheriff’s Office investigation and the execution of search warrants at Hemsley’s County Road 32 residence in the Town of Norwich. Once again, Hemsley was ordered not to possess any firearms, nor possess or consume any marijuana. He will re-appear in court at a later date.

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• William W. Hatton, 26, Oxford, pleaded not guilty to two counts of third degree burglary, a class D felony, and two counts of petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor.

Indicted by a Chenango County grand jury earlier this month, it’s alleged that Hatton, on or about Oct. 9, broke into a pair of garages in an attempt to commit the crime of larceny, stealing copper fittings and electrical cords.

According to the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office, Hatton allegedly committed the crime while on probation and has a history of failing to appear in court. He was subsequently remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail and will re-appear in court at a later date.