NORWICH – James R. Kelly, of Lincklaen, appeared for a plea and sentencing proposal when the Chenango County Court convened for a morning session last Friday, May 27.

Kelly was arrested following an investigation by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office into the manufacture of methamphetamine. It is alleged that on Feb. 3, 2016, deputies arrived at a residence on County Road 13, in the Town of Lincklaen, to perform a “knock and talk” following information about a possible meth lab at the residence.

CCSO deputies reported that they allegedly found several burn piles at the residence that contained several one-pot methamphetamine cooks “in plain view,” and a gas mask in the yard. Following this initial investigation, a search warrant was later issued for the residence. This search led to the discovery of methamphetamine and other paraphernalia.

Kelly, along with his girlfriend at the time, Alyssa Jackson, who also resided at the property, were charged with unlawful manufacturing of methamphetamine in the third degree, a class D felony; unlawful disposal of methamphetamine equipment, a class E felony and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a class A misdemeanor.

First Assistant District Attorney Michael D. Ferrarese represented the people of Chenango County in the case against Kelly, while The Honorable Judge Frank B. Revoir Jr. presided over proceedings. Kelly was represented by defense attorney Scott Clippinger.

After Kelly was sworn in, Judge Revoir asked him where he will reside after his release, to which the defendant replied in Cortland County, with his mother. Judge Revoir went on to ask Kelly, “Did you reside at the residence on County Road 13, in the Town of Lincklaen?” Kelly said that he did not. Revoir continued, “Were you manufacturing methamphetamine at this residence?” Kelly said that he was. Following this admission, Revoir asked what was the purpose of the items found during the search of the residence, to which Kelly replied, “to manufacture methamphetamine.”

Revoir was satisfied with the defendant’s testimony, and gave a chance for Ferrarese to speak on behalf of the people. “Mr. Kelly is being given an opportunity to be placed on probation,” he said. “The defendant was a user of methamphetamine. It appears that he was honest and admitted that he was using, and not manufacturing the meth. He has no criminal history besides this, so hopefully this is a lesson learned.”

When given a chance to speak for himself, Kelly said, “I'd like to apologize to the Court of Chenango County. I thank you for the opportunity for drug treatment court.”