NORWICH – Two individuals appeared in Chenango County Court this week to for the purpose of sentencing.

• Heath A. Woodruff, 30, of Tompkins County appeared in Chenango County Court for a sentencing hearing on August 3, 2015.

Woodruff was originally charged with Aggravated DWI, class E felony, as well as a DWI, felony. On September 18, 2013 before Chenango County Grand Jury, Woodruff was initially indicted on these charges.

The DWI arrest of Woodruff occurred in Chenango County.

Woodruff was placed on interim probation following these charges. Woodruff successfully completed this probation program on October 10, 2015 and therefore was due back in court for a follow up sentencing hearing.

Woodruff was accompanied in court by his attorney Ronald Benjamin.

First Assistant District Attorney, Michael D. Ferrarese, represented the people on this matter.

Benjamin stated to the court that his client had successfully completed the probation program. “Very happy to report Woodruff has done phenomenally well, he's starting school soon too. Both Chenango and Tompkins County probation officials have noted that they see no reason to continue probation,” said Benjamin.

“Note in file says if good then it will be a class A misdemeanor will be in order,” said Ferrarese, after stating that was what was noted and he was unsure due to not being the District Attorney present at the original hearing.

Benjamin then asked Chenango County Court Judge Frank B. Revoir Jr. if he may speak following Ferrarese's statement. “If probation was successful which I noted it has been, it was agreed upon to have the charge reduced to a misdemeanor, he's on honor roll, has been accepted into the nursing program. However, I understand it is ultimately up to the judge to decide,” said Benjamin.

At this time Judge Revoir noted that both counties probation officers have in fact made it clear that by starting school and being employed, there was no need to supervise Woodruff anymore. This decision stems from how successful Woodruff was in the program and due to the difficulty of working around a school and work schedule.

Ferrarese at this time adamantly objected to the court. “My standard is two years probation regardless of how well he is doing on his misdemeanor charges to make sure he doesn’t relapse,” said Ferrarese.

“It is completely unreasonable to ask for probation to continue due to how well he is doing, and the reports that have been filed,” said Benjamin.

At this time Revoir asked Woodruff if he would like to stand and make a statement of his own, in which he complied and answered in the affirmative.

“I apologize for my actions, for drinking and driving. It will not happen again. I know now the dangers. I was informed in the program and after hearing from parents who have lost children, it's just not worth it. I apologize,” said Woodruff.

Revoir acknowledge Woodruffs statement stating, “I am happy to hear you say that.”

At this time Revoir went on to state that, “due to two different officers, in two different counties statements on how successful the program was for you, well that doesn’t usually happen, it doesn’t make sense to have you keep reporting.”

Revoir then entered the same plea of guilty, per Woodruffs request, to a reduced misdemeanor charge rather than a felony charge.

Woodruff was subsequently sentenced to one year conditional discharge, one year revocation of license, and one year ignition interlock system. Over the strong objection of two years probation from Ferrarese.

Woodruff will also be liable to a 500 dollar minimum charge for the ignition interlock system and 395 dollars of surcharges, with possible other DMV charges.

At this time, Woodruff was issued the written waiver of appeal and the ignition interlock system paperwork, in which he physically signed both.

• Charles A. Seitz, 58, of North Carolina also appeared in Chenango County Court for a sentencing hearing on August 3, 2015.