NORWICH – Two individuals, previously on treatment court for drug related offenses, were heard Monday morning, Dec. 21, in Chenango County Court.

Chenango County Judge Frank B. Revoir Jr. presided over both cases while District Attorney Joseph A. McBride was present on behalf of the people.

• Nicole L. Rifanburg, 26, of Norwich was brought to court from the Chenango County Correctional Facility as she is already incarcerated. Rifanburg was represented in court by her Attorney Linden Summers.

Rifanburg was previously arrested with her co-defendant David S. Franklin, 33, of Oxford.

Franklin was previously indicted for three counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, a class D felony.

It is alleged that on Dec. 18, 2014 at three different pharmacies, Franklin did knowingly and unlawfully possess a prescription for 60 oxycodone 15 mg pills from Northern New Jersey Pain and Rehabilitation Center, which contained the forged signature of a doctor. Franklin allegedly attempted to have said prescription filled at each pharmacy.

Rifanburg had been placed on probation following this matter and was a recent part of the drug treatment court.

However, Rifanburg was in court again after the probation department issued a violation of probation order.

The violation alleged that Rifanburg had continuously tested positive for various drug related substances, causing the termination of her probation and treatment court status.

It was also alleged that Rifanburg had been attending a 9-month rehab center, but chose to check herself out against orders.

“This case originally came out of the Town of Norwich. She has no prior convictions, so we gave her an opportunity to get off drugs,” said McBride, “She is going to be sentenced to eight months in jail, with time served. When she gets out, if she stays away then she can do something with her life, but she has got to make a choice. You have got to make the right decisions and you can be a successful member of society.”

Summers responded in agreement with McBride's statements regarding his client, “She has her whole life ahead of her, I hope she takes what Mr. McBride has said to heart.”

Rifanburg was given a chance to speak but declined the offer.

“We had another treatment court female in here previously [Editor’s note: Not the individual below in this article.], she indicated she would continue to commit crimes, it is the opposite for you. You have a minimal criminal record but have a high risk to overdose,” said Revoir, “I pray to God I don't wake up one morning and read your name in an obituary. This is why you were ordered to go to a nine month rehab center, but you chose to check out early. You have three kids, if you can't do it for yourself, then do it for your children.”

Revoir alleged that Rifanburg had tested positive for cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana, pills and other various substances.

Rifanburg was then sentenced to an eight month definite sentence.

• Kim M. Chlad, 58, of Sherburne was represented by her Attorney Public Defender John Cameron.