NORWICH – On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the grand jury met and the District Attorney presented evidence against a number of individuals accused of felony offenses. At an indictment proceeding, witnesses give testimony to the jury, and the District Attorney offers statements and reasons as to why he believes there is sufficient evidence to indict.

The defendant and defense counsel are not present during a grand jury proceeding, but if indicted, the defense is provided with a transcript of the proceedings. This is often why prosecutors do not provide all the evidence they have at a grand jury proceeding.

Once the District Attorney and witnesses have finished, the grand jury convenes to decides if there is enough evidence to indict. On Wednesday, the grand jury indicted ten.

• Farrell M. Ruffles, was indicted on the charges of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a class E felony; aggravated driving while intoxicated, a class E felony; and driving while intoxicated, a class E felony.

It is alleged that on or about Dec. 15, 2013 in the Town of Norwich, that Ruffles did knowingly and unlawfully operate a motor vehicle knowing that his driver’s license was revoked or suspended. Additionally, Ruffles was allegedly operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and had a blood alcohol content of .21 – more than twice the legal limit –, per an analysis of his breath.

• Jennifer E. Langer, was indicted on charges of grand larceny in the fourth degree, a class E felony; and petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor.

Langer allegedly cashed a fraudulent check valued at $1,980.56 in the Village of Oxford on or about Nov. 12, 2013.

• Christina W. Clifford, was charged with burglary in the second degree, a class C felony; and petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor.

It is alleged that Clifford, in concert with others, did enter and remain unlawfully at Milford Academy on or about Nov. 16, 2013 in the Village of New Berlin. While in the building unlawfully, Clifford allegedly stole assorted property belonging to resident students of Milford Academy.

• Kimberly N. Haughton, was indicted on the charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony; unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine in the third degree, a class D felony; criminal possession of precursors of methamphetamine, a class E felony; and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a class A misdemeanor.

On or about Aug. 1, 2013, it is alleged that Haughton was in possession of a prescription bottle containing methamphetamine with the intent to sell it. Allegedly – per the indictment –Haughton was found to be in possession of pseudophedrine, rock salt, acetone, cold packs, lithium batteries, drain cleaner, mason jars, and funnels – precursors of making meth.

• Lacey L. Gould, was indicted on the charges of grand larceny in the third degree, a class D felony; and six counts of forgery in the second degree, a class D felony.

Allegedly, during the time period o September 2012 and January 2013, in the Village of Sherburne, that Gould did steal property of another by forging checks from the victim’s account. Gould allegedly forged 62 checks with the total value exceeding $21,000.