NORWICH – On Friday, Oct. 9, 2015, Shaun P. Sullivan, 34, of Norwich appeared in Chenango County Court in a related matter to his previous arrest.

Sullivan made motions with Chenango County Drug Court Coordinator, James Everard, for a possible judicial diversion on the matter.

The Court made it known that according to their records, Sullivan did meet all the criteria to seek a judicial diversion.

Judicial diversion is an alternative to incarceration. A program that if the criteria is met, can seek to rehabilitate the alleged criminal outside of jail-time, similar to probation.

Sullivan appeared with his attorney, Scott Clippinger, who presented a hand written letter to the court.

Joseph A. McBride was in court on behalf of the people of Chenango County.

McBride made it known that the District Attorney's Office heavily opposed this action of placing Sullivan on judicial diversion.

“I oppose this action, he is a criminal. Mr. Sullivan is facing a possible 15-years to life sentence. Basing this decision of the defendant’s evaluation in drug court and his statements is not scientific at all. The defendant has every reason in the world to not be honest with you, he knows how to play the system,” said McBride.

Clippinger responded saying, “My client has a long criminal history, but it is all because of drug addiction. I believe that what has been done in the past and what is currently being done is not solving the issue, and long-term treatment is appropriate. If he is going to be successful, he must be drug free and prison hasn’t done that for him.”

McBride went on to explain that Sullivan has two prior felonies on his record, regardless of what the felonies were, Sullivan can be labeled a persistent felon and that is why the possible sentencing can be so high.