Beard was sentenced Tuesday by Judge Michael L. Dwyer to three to nine years in state prison, an agreed upon sentence after Beard pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter, reduced from second-degree murder.
Wayne R. Smith, 54, made his first appearance before Judge Michael L. Dwyer on Tuesday on two counts each of attempted first-degree assault, second-degree assault, driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident, as well as one count each of third-degree possession of a weapon and failure to yield. Smith pleaded not guilty to all charges.
James Beard, of Utica, pleaded guilty before Judge Michael L. Dwyer April 8 to one count of second-degree manslaughter, reduced from murder, court officials said. Beard accepted a plea offer for three to nine years in state prison, and he is scheduled to return for sentencing on May 28.
UTICA, N.Y. A former direct-support assistant with the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) who made more than $4,500 in unauthorized charges on his state-issued credit card was sentenced March 19 in Oneida County Court.
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