By Michaela Watts
Sun Staff Writer
mwatts@evesun.com
NORWICH • Mathew J. Walters, appeared on two separate matters of burglary in the third degree, a class D felony. Walters was represented by Public Defender, John Cameron when the choice to change his peal of not guilty to guilty for the charges against him in the presence of Judge Frank B. Revoir.
Judge Revoir acknowledged Walters guilty plea and a written wavier of appeal. Judge Revoir then read the above charges and advised Walters that for each separate matter a 2 to 4 year sentence in a state penitentiary would run concurrent with one another. Restitution would also be payed back to the victims in both cases.
During this plea sentencing, District Attorney Joseph A. McBride, who represented the people of Chenango County, expressed that “Walters is a four time felony offender.” Judge Revoir advises Walters that if he continues, further charges could result in lifetime sentences.
• James F. Smith, of Norwich, appeared on nine felony counts in front of Judge Frank B. Revoir. The charges against Smith consist of one count predatory sexual assault against a child, two counts of criminal sexual act in the first degree of forcible compulsion and someone less than thirteen years old and the actor is eighteen years old or more, two counts of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree, two counts of rape in the first degree, and to counts of criminal sexual act in the second degree.
Smith was represented by Public Defender, John Cameron who entered a plea of not guilty and requested bail be set at a reasoniable amount. However, District Attorney Joseph A. McBride, who represented the people of Chenango County advised Judge Revoir that this is a serious case and if convicted Smith could be facing life in a state penitentiary. McBride also asked for bail to be set at $1 million and that an order of protection is placed for each victim.
