Reginald Wilson, charged with burglary, 2nd, and facing a possible life prison term for his alleged part in a break-in on State Street in September, has a new attorney.
Wilson has hired Fares Rumi of Batavia. In court this morning for the change of attorney notice, Rumi politely asked Judge Robert Noonan if his client might have a chance to reconsider a plea offer he turned down a week ago.
"No Mr. Rumi, it doesn’t work that way," Noonan said. "His time is gone."
Rumi replied, "we're ready to proceed to trial."
The trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection at 9 a.m., March 29.
Wilson will be tried on charges of burglary 2nd and criminal possession of stolen property. If convicted of either, District Attorney Lawrence Friedman could ask Noonan to impose a life sentence.
The 37-year-old Rochester resident have five prior felony convictions.
Three other individuals were reportedly involved in the alleged burglary, which frightened a woman who was home at the time. Two of the alleged cohorts have said in statements that Wilson did not participate in the burglary. One individual will testify that Wilson was there.
Wilson was arrested, reportedly, after beging caught driving a car stolen from the residence.
Previously, Friedman offered Wilson a felony conviction of possession of stolen property and 2- to 4-years in state prison.
In other court news:
Warren T. Cotton, accused of operating a meth lab at 13 Ross St., Batavia, will be arraigned in Federal court this afternoon on a charge possession with the intent to manufacture substances with a detectable amount of methamphetamine. The local charges against Cotton will be dropped.
Chad M. Johnston, 23, who admitted Feb. 24 to attempted burglary, 3rd, for a break-in at 15 Fairway Drive, Batavia, was sentenced today. Johnston will serve 1 1/2 to 3 three years in supervised parole. Johnston will first serve six months in a drug rehab program at Willard Drug Treatment Campus.
Howard, Any word on Mr.
Howard,
Any word on Mr. Wilson agreeing to an interview??
I didn't get to it last week,
I didn't get to it last week, and now, I'm concerned that with the interview prep I'd have to do, and the time of setting it up ... I might not be able to publish anything until least a week before the trial, which just seems too close to trial for something like that.
Okay let me see if I have
Okay let me see if I have this right:
Mr. Wilson has five ( that's 5} other felony convictions and he was still free to roam the streets!
He turns down a plea deal where he would have gone to prison for 2 to 4 years yet now is facing possible life.
To me this is a no brainer LIFE is what he deserves! With 5 prior felony charges do we want this habitual criminal on our streets?
I say throw out the bogus innocent until proven guilty and just make a reservation for him in a state prison cell.
Keep in mind, that the
Keep in mind, that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he participated in the burglary.
By my count, there are two people who testify that he wasn't there and two who will.
On the criminal possession, the DA must prove that Wilson knew he was in a stolen vehicle.
Howard, I agree, this will
Howard,
I agree, this will be interesting, when two co-defendants testify that Mr. Wilson was not involved with the burglary, there may be reasonable doubt, I hope the prosecution has more evidence than criminal witnesses (i.e. fingerprints or DNA) You also bring up a good point that the DA needs to prove that Mr. Wilson knew the car was stolen, should be interesting....
Bernie,
I have said it here before, Mr. Wilson is the textbook example of one who should receive life for repeated felonies.
Go to the DOCS website:
http://nysdocslookup.docs.state.ny.us/kinqw00
four times he has been convicted of robbery and once for rape. He is a registered sex offender, who (sadly enough) has spent most of the past 17 years in prison.
(see DIN # 93 B 0579, 96 B 1558, 99 B 2647, and 03 B 0159)
On a lighter note: Warren
On a lighter note: Warren Cotton...kinda reminds me of a old pair of Blue Jeans!!!!
Gary, groan ...
Gary, groan ...