NORWICH – Three sex offenders with child victims appeared in Chenango County Court; one was sentenced, another arraigned, and a third’s risk level was assessed.
• Jeremy F. Courtney, 31 of Oxford, was indicted on Oct. 16, 2014 for criminal sexual act in the first degree, a class B felony, and endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor.
It is alleged on a day between the period of January through March of 2007, at a residence in the City of Norwich, Courtney did have a 5-year-old female victim perform an oral sexual act on him.
On Feb. 6, Courtney pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of criminal sexual act in the second degree, a class D felony.
First Assistant District Attorney Michael D. Ferrarese said a reduced charge was given to Courtney after taking into consideration his minimal criminal history, the fact that the incident “happened a long time ago” and the additional fact that it was an “isolated incident.”
“The most important factor is that he took full responsibility,” added Ferrarese.
The First ADA said another factor was that there was not a lot of evidence in the case, because it happened so many years ago and the victim did not want to participate and wanted to move on with her life.
Ferrarese said Courtney's behavior since the incident is evidence that the crime was out of character. He also said Courtney will spend some time in jail and “be watched for 10 years.”
“I believe it is a just sentence,” said Ferrarese.
Courtney's lawyer, Scott J. Clippinger, said, “I find myself in the uncomfortable position of agreeing with Mr. Ferrarese.”
Clippinger said his client is a productive citizen, employed and supports his family. “This does not reflect his character, and his behavior since the incident has shown it's not going to happen again,” he added.
Regarding Courtney's incarceration, Ferrarese said, “We were willing to work with the defendant to make sure he stays employed. He has been employed for a long time at the same company.”
Judge Frank B. Revoir, Jr. agreed with Ferrarese and Clippinger. He said the sentence was issued based upon the facts and Courtney's history since the incident.
“It's a very favorable disposition,” said Revoir.
Courtney was sentenced to a split sentence of four consecutive weekends of intermittent incarceration at the Chenango County Correctional Facility starting in February, followed by 10 years probation less time spent incarcerated. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and have his risk level assessed.
A full order of protection was issued for the victim until February of 2023.
• Leslie Kenyon, 45 of Smithville, was indicted on Jan. 21 for failure to register or verify as a sex offender, a class E felony.
It is alleged on Nov. 5, 2014 in the Town of Smithville, Kenyon did fail to register with the Sex Offender Unit of the Division of Criminal Justice Services within 10 calendar days after changing his address from 107 Scribner Lane in Smithville, to 111 Cyprus Road in Greene, as of Dec. 22, 2014.
Kenyon was released on his own recognizance by the Town of Smithville Court.
Kenyon was also recently charged with a misdemeanor violation of probation and appeared in Norwich City Court on Jan. 27.
According to Judge James E. Downey, Kenyon allegedly – against the conditions of his probation– did not register his Facebook account and had pornographic images and conversations on his cell phone as well.
