NORWICH – Chenango County Court saw four scheduled court cases all related to felony charges last Thursday. Three of the cases were for a possible change of plea and sentencing purposes, with the fourth appearing on a warrant case.
Judge Frank B. Revoir Jr. was present for all matters on the docket, while District Attorney Joseph A. McBride spoke on behalf of the people of Chenango County.
• Darren C. Whitmoyer, 21, appeared in court with the possibility of changing his plea from not-guilty to guilty.
Whitmoyer was represented by his attorney, Scott Clippinger.
Whitmoyer affirmed intentions of changing his plea to guilty to the top charge of criminal possession of marijuana of more than 8 ounces in the third degree, a class E felony.
Revoir read off the indictment: “On February 27, 2015 in Sherburne, in concert with others, [Whitmoyer] possessed one or more mixtures of marijuana and possessed marijuana more than eight ounces.”
After Whitmoyer pleaded guilty, McBride spoke briefly.
“Although it may be legal in other states, it is still very illegal in our state. You’re getting probation because of your youthful age and lack of criminal record. So I wish you good luck sir. I hope you follow all the guidelines and we don’t see you back here,” said McBride.
Revoir agreed with McBride, adding, “The trend seems to be legalizing marijuana in other states and maybe it will happen in New York. But for right now, it is still illegal. Barring any setbacks, you should be able to master the probation and learn from the skills they teach you.”
Whitmoyer was sentenced to five years probation, with an additional $50 DNA fee, and $325 in other criminal victim fees and surcharges
• Tarik D. Paterson, 33, appeared with his attorney, Rebecca Wittman, on the grounds that he was ready to change his previous plea of not guilty to guilty.
Revoir read off the first count of the indictment: “On January 8, 2014, in concert with others in Norwich, you did possess six plastic bags containing cocaine, with the intent to sell.”
To which Paterson did affirm a guilty plea, charging him with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony.
“We also have a predicate felony statement made by the District Attorney’s Office claiming that on April 7, 2000, in the County of Oneida, you were convicted of robbery in the first degree, is this true?” said Revoir.
“Yes, I did,” answered Paterson.
“Mr. Paterson, you’ve been in trouble dealing drugs in our area before. No one wishes you any ill will, but you can’t deal drugs in our community. You’ll be going away for six years. If it were to happen again, it would be 12 years. Good luck sir,” said McBride.
Paterson was then given a chance to speak on his behalf.
“I apologize to the City of Norwich and Chenango County for my actions. I didn’t specifically target Norwich. I was doing good, I was going to school. But I have a drug problem. I'm really not a bad person, just one decision led to another and not back to getting in trouble,” Paterson said.
Revoir concluded, saying, “You can take advantage of the tools and come out a better person. You’re only 33, so you’ll still be relatively young after six years. So I wish you luck and hopefully you wont be coming back here especially to traffic narcotics. Good luck sir.”
