NORWICH – The Chenango County Court convened for an afternoon session on Monday, Aug. 8, where the cases of Donald L. Towndrow and Joshua T. Whaley were heard. First Assistant District Attorney Micheal D. Ferrarese represented the people of Chenango County in both cases, while John Cameron was assigned to represent both defendants.
• Donald L. Towndrow, 26, of Norwich, appeared in court on a bail review. He faces charges of burglary in the second degree, a class C felony; and petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor.
Towndrow was one of three individuals arrested earlier in the month of August regarding an investigation into a burglary of a home in the City of Norwich. According to authorities, It is believed that the individuals broke into the home through an unlocked window, and proceeded to steal construction tools.
Ferrarese was the first to speak on the issue of bail. He said, “I have no objection to lowering bail. I still want a significant amount of bail to ensure that the defendant appears in court. (The defendant) potentially faces significant time in State Prison.”
Cameron then had an opportunity to counter Ferrarese's arguments. He said, “I agree with what Mr. Ferrarese is saying, but Mr. Towndrow has been exceptionally co-operative (with police). He has no criminal record, and is a lifelong resident of the area. I would ask that my client be released on his own recognizance. He has no place to go.”
Ferrarese then implored the court to enquire about whether the defendant was working or not, before saying, “I know that these are serious charges. We have to ensure that he (Towndrow) appears in court. I don't believe $1,000 cash bail would be excessive, so I'm asking for $1,000 cash bail, or $2,000 bond.”
Judge Revoir said that it was concerning that since Towndrow had no criminal record, he immediately skipped petty crime, and stood charged with a class C felony. However, as he did not see Towndrow as a flight risk, Revoir lowered Towndrow's bail from $3,500 cash to $500 cash, or $1,000 bond. Revoir also stipulated that if Towndrow posted bail, he was to reside at this residence seven days a week, he would not be allowed to leave the State of New York without the courts permission, and he must have no violations of the law.
