NORWICH – A Chenango County Sheriff's Office detective testified at a felony hearing Thursday and detailed the events leading up to the execution of a no-knock search warrant in the City of Norwich earlier this week. Police confiscated nearly two kilograms (around four pounds) of methamphetamine and approximately $35,000 in the raid.
Corey A. Weidman, 34, and Cheyanne D. Moore, 22, both residents of 93 East Main Street Apartment 1F, Norwich, are now charged with first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful possession of a firearm after police raided their apartment.
Police said Weidman, who has a local history of drugs crimes, attempted to flee police by jumping through a first story window. He suffered injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment before being sent to jail.
On Thursday in Norwich City Court, Weidman's defense requested a felony hearing.
Norwich City Court Judge Michael Genute said a felony hearing is to establish if there is reasonable evidence that a felony-level crime may have been committed. At the end of the hearing, Genute ruled there was sufficient evidence to proceed with a felony charge and now the case will be presented before a grand jury, who will determine what felony crimes Weidman will ultimately face in Chenango County Court.
Chenango County Sheriff's Office Detective David Castle was the only witness called to testify in the hearing. He discusses alleged admissions Weidman made to him after he was arrested and the events leading up to the the search of the apartment from a police perspective.
Morning of the raid
"On December 17, members of our office, Norwich Police Department, and New York State Police met at the Chenango County Sheriff's Office building," said Castle. "From there we went to the target's location."
He said on arrival, the New York State Special Operations Response Team (SORT) pulled up next to 93 East Main Street in the City of Norwich and other members of law enforcement set up a perimeter in the dark while the SORT team entered the building.
He said the armed tactical squad of police then forced their way into the apartment at approximately 5:45 a.m.
"As the door burst open I heard a female voice, who was later identified as Cheyanne Moore, scream out," said Castle. "A few moments later I observed Weidman jumping out of a double pane window onto the front porch of the apartment, where he then jumped over the porch's railing and into law enforcement who were part of the perimeter."
According to Castle, Weidman suffered multiple injuries from the glass in the window, including lacerations on his head, shoulder, and a more serious wound to his elbow.
