NORWICH – Five individuals appeared and were sentenced in Chenango County Court Friday, two serving split sentences of incarceration at the Chenango County Correctional Facility and probation after pleading guilty to felony sex crimes.
• Leonard D. Vandermark, 66, Greene, was sentenced to a split sentence of six months incarceration followed by 10 years probation for the crime of first degree sexual abuse, a class D violent felony.
Initially indicted in October of 2011 on a number of charges, including of predatory sexual assault against a child, a class A-II felony, first degree rape, first degree criminal sexual act, first degree aggravated sexual abuse and first degree sexual conduct against a child, it was alleged that Vandermark – on or about Sept. 20 2011, in the Town of Greene – had inappropriate sexual contact with a female under the age of 13 at his residence. Subsequent to his 2011 indictment, Vandermark pleaded guilty to the crime of first degree aggravated sexual abuse.
Said Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride, “There is no doubt in my mind what he did, his DNA was found [on the girl’s clothing] and there is no doubt what he did. The parents and the grandparents are here today and they are angry for what he did and that he is not getting more time. If he does not take responsibility, I have no choice but to pursue the max time.”
“I am sorry for what I did,” said Vandermark.
“I agree with Mr. McBride over concerns with taking responsibility,” said Judge Revoir. “He flat out denied the allegations later during the probation report, saying he just wanted to avoid 25 to life and doesn’t know why this girl is saying these things.”
Vandermark will have to register as a sex offender as part of his sentence.
• James C. Vredenburgh, 44, Bainbridge, was sentenced to a split sentence of three months of weekends in jail to be followed by 10 years probation.
Prior to sentencing, Vredenburgh had pleaded guilty to the class D felony of promoting a sexual performance by a child. It was alleged that Vredenburgh was found to be in possession of a performance which included sexual conduct by a child under the age of 17, while allegedly knowing the character and content of the said performance.
