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.
Judge Dwyer issued this week a 56-page decision in the matter, following a hearing held in his courtroom in Utica on Nov. 13. Dwyer thoroughly examined all of the issues raised at the hearing by Conley and her defense attorney, Melissa Swartz, of Syracuse, who sought to set aside Conley s manslaughter conviction and hold a new trial.
Karam appeared before Oneida County Court Judge Michael L. Dwyer Thursday morning and both his defense attorneys and the District Attorney s Office asked for an adjournment. Assistant District Attorney Laurie Lisi said they were "inching towards" a possible plea deal in the case.
Louis LaPolla, 78, pleaded guilty before Oneida County Court Judge Michael L. Dwyer to one count of misdemeanor petit larceny, reduced from felony grand larceny.