NORWICH – Norwich man, who "lost everything" due to crack possession charges, was sentenced on Dec. 12 in Chenango County Court.

Shawn L. Branch, Sr., 43, Norwich, was indicted on charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a class C felony; and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a class A misdemeanor on July 16 of this year.

It is alleged on March 27 of this year in the City of Norwich, Branch knowingly and unlawfully possessed 31 individually wrapped corner wraps of the narcotic drug crack cocaine with the aggregate weight of 3.877 grams.

Branch appeared in court on Dec. 12 to plead guilty to the class C felony of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree. He was prepared to be incarcerated at the Chenango County Correctional Facility for one year as part of his agreed upon disposition.

District Attorney Joseph A. McBride said Branch needed to take responsibility for selling the crack cocaine based on the amount he possessed and the statements he had made to the police when he was arrested back in March.

Branch said he would take responsibility for possessing the crack cocaine but not for selling it. He said he did not intend to sell the crack cocaine.

John D. Cameron, Branch's public defender, and McBride decided to adjourn Branch's plea and sentencing to further discuss the details of the plea deal.

Since the matter was adjourned, Cameron requested that Revoir set a “reasonable bail” for Branch, because he is “presently homeless” and needs “somewhere to be.”

Revoir set bail at $5,000 cash or $50,000 bond.

The matter was conferenced later in the day, and all parties decided to move forward with Branch's plea and sentencing that same day on Dec. 12.

Branch pleaded guilty to the class C felony of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, which does not have “intent to sell” as part the charge.