NORWICH – Two individuals sit in the Chenango County Correctional facility after their arraignments in Chenango County Court this week.

• On Aug. 1, Mark A. Babcock, 58, of Otselic, was arraigned on two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony.

Babcock was arrested following a sealed indictment by a Chenango County grand jury on Wednesday, July 20. Following the indictment, an arrest warrant was issued by The Honorable Judge Frank B. Revoir Jr.

The Narcotics Division of the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office presented the case to the grand jury following an investigation involving the sale of multiple narcotic drugs, including Hydrocodone, from Babcock’s residence on County Road 16 in the Town of Otselic.

According to Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride, it is alleged that Babcock was selling the narcotic drugs out of his residence on the dates of January 12-13, 2016.

Babcock appeared in County Court with his assigned public defender, John Cameron, while McBride represented the people of Chenango County in the matter.

Cameron entered a not guilty plea to both counts of Babcock's indictment on behalf of his client.

McBride was provided with the fist opportunity to speak on the issue of bail. He said, “Bail is currently set at $50,000. It appears that the defendant has some medical issues. We ask that $50,000 cash bail to continue. (The defendant) has convictions across the country, and has every reason to flee the jurisdiction.”

Cameron urged that the court set a reasonable bail amount, saying, “It appears that the defendant has a criminal record in Florida. He's lived here for seven years. Up to now, he's lived a peaceful life.”