Christopher A. Laird faces a possible three years in state prison after pleading guilty today to a violation of probation.
Local law enforcement had been looking for the 17-year-old since he failed to report to Office of Children and Family Services on Jan. 4. He was listed as "wanted" by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on Feb. 2.
On April 2, Laird was reportedly spotted in the State Street and North Avenue area of Batavia, which led to a multi-agency search for him, including use of the State Police helicopter.
In accepting Laird's plea, Judge Robert C. Noonan informed the youth that the maximum sentence available under terms of a plea agreement with the District Attorney's office is a revocation of probation and a one- to three-year prison term.
Laird may still face a charge filed last week of obstruction of governmental administration for allegedly running from police on April 2. Public Defender Gary Horton said he believes that charge will be wrapped into the violation of probation case.
At one time, Laird was charged with burglary, 2nd, according to the Sheriff's Office. He is on probation for a case that was adjudicated as "youthful offender," which means whatever crime Laird may have admitted to that led to his probation doesn't stand as a criminal conviction. Horton said he wouldn't discuss the matter because of the youthful offender status, so it's unclear if the probation stems from that burglary, 2nd, charge or some other possible offense.
