NORWICH— Former Valley Ridge Center for Intensive Treatment Facility resident was arraigned for a violent crime and two others were arraigned for burglary on Dec. 5 in Chenango County Court by Judge Frank B. Revoir, Jr.
• Anthony J. Fish, 22, Norwich, was arraigned on the charges of assault in the second degree, a class D felony; and assault in the third degree, a class A misdemeanor.
It is alleged, per the indictment, that on or about Oct. 27 at 4:30 p.m. at the Valley Ridge Center for Intensive Treatment located on County Road 46, Fish did intentionally cause physical injury to a staff member at the treatment facility. Fish allegedly threw a dangerous instrument – a wooden table – at the victim, striking her in the head and causing her a concussion.
Fish pleaded not guilty on all counts.
First Assistant District Attorney Michael D. Ferrarese said this is an “unusual case” and requested bail remain at $500 for Fish, who is currently being held in the Chenango County Correctional Facility.
John Cameron, Fish's public defender, said Fish received two conflicting psychiatric evaluations. The first psychiatric evaluation done by Chenango County Mental Health Services was “a very brief evaluation,” according to Cameron, and reported that Fish is mentally capable of understanding his court proceedings.
Cameron said the second psychiatric evaluation done by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), which was a “much longer report,” concluded Fish was incompetent and unable to participate in his defense.
“It's abundantly clear he has no idea what's going on, judge,” said Cameron, pointing to Fish. “He calls our office several times a day and asks the same questions over and over again, because he doesn't comprehend the answers.”
Cameron requested a third psychiatric evaluation, which is required by the statute when two initial psychiatric evaluations conflict. Ferrarese did not object to a third evaluation being done.
There was also discussion in court of Fish being transferred from the county jail and placed with the OPWDD, which will be decided at a later date.
Fish was remanded back to the county jail on a $500 cash bail and he is to undergo a third psychiatric evaluation. He is to appear in court at a later date.
• Michael A. Fletcher, 31, Bainbridge, was arraigned on the charge of burglary in the second degree, a class C felony.
It is alleged on or about Oct. 9 at 12:40 p.m. at 1 Lewis St. in the Village of Bainbridge, Fletcher – while acting in concert with another – did knowingly enter and remain unlawfully in a dwelling with intent to commit a crime. Fletcher allegedly intended to steal controlled substances from the victim's residence.
Fletcher pleaded not guilty.
