NORWICH – On Sept. 17, 2014, eight individuals were indicted by the Chenango County Grand Jury and later arraigned on Sept. 29, 2014 on their pending charges in the Chenango County Court. The Honorable Frank B. Revoir Jr. presided.

• Rebel L. Whitman of Harpursville pleaded guilty to criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a class E felony. Whitman, who has three previous misdemeanors of similar crimes, was remanded back to the Chenango County Correctional Facility in lieu of a continuation of bail set by local court in the amount of $5,000 cash or $10,000 real property bond.

If convicted, Whitman could face one to three years in state prison. Sentencing was adjourned following a pre sentencing investigation to determine the defendants eligibility for “shock” treatment at the Willard Drug Treatment Program.

• Thomas W. Knickerbocker of Sherburne pleaded not guilty to five felony charges including rape in the second degree; criminal sexual act in the second degree; possessing a sexual performance by a child; and endangering the welfare of a child.

Knickerbocker was arrested on July 19 after Chenango County Sheriff’s deputies investigated a suspicious vehicle complaint in the Town of North Norwich. Allegedly, deputies found the defendant engaging in sexual contact with a 13-year-old victim.

Continuation of bail set at $1,000 in Town of North Norwich Court was upheld and an extension of an active order of protection for one year in favor of the victim was enacted.

Additionally, it was also ordered that Knickerbocker – who remains out on bail – is prohibited from engaging in online social networking of any form.

• John E. Fassett of Port Crane pleaded not guilty on three charges including burglary in the third degree; criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree; and petit larceny, a misdemeanor.

Due to the defendant's prior convictions which include one felony and three misdemeanors, prosecutors argued that he was a flight risk and should continue to be remanded to the CCCF.

Fassett remains in county lockup in lieu of $30,000 cash or $50,000 property bond.

• Brett J. Lorimer of the Town of Norwich pleaded not guilty on two charges including criminal possession of marijuana in the firs degree, a class C felony; and criminal possession of marijuana in the fourth degree, a misdemeanor.