AUBURN - A Union Springs man pleaded guilty to three counts related to an incident in which he threatened his former girlfriend of two decades, something he said he wishes he could go back in time to erase.

On Tuesday, Jon Hewitt admitted in Cayuga County Court to threatening his former girlfriend with two knives, forcing her to go with him to his boat against her will, and restricting her movements on May 17.

“What I did that whole day was wrong ... irrational. I wish I could go back in time but it doesn't work that way,” Hewitt said. “I wish I could apologize.”

He blamed his “irrational” behavior on his bipolar condition and him not taking his prescription. Hewitt, 48, also pointed to his “self-medicating” use of alcohol that day.

Cayuga County Court Judge Mark Fandrich ordered Hewitt to undergo a mental health evaluation. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 9.

While Hewitt had a difficult time saying he threatened the victim with the knives, Chief Assistant District Attorney Jon Budelmann was satisfied Hewitt admitted he scared the woman and took her against her wishes.

Hewitt, of Hibiscus Harbor in Union Springs, pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree unlawful imprisonment, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Also in court:

€ Raymond Ryle, 41, pleaded not guilty to two felony counts for first-degree criminal sexual act and a misdemeanor count of second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation.

Ryle is accused of forcing an adult male to engage in sexual acts in a vehicle parked on Madison Avenue in Auburn on Oct. 16, 2006. He is also accused of driving the vehicle while his license was suspended.

Fandrich set bail at $25,000 cash and $50,000 bond. Ryle currently is in Cayuga County Jail.

His last known address is 2919 E. Third St., Wilmington, Del. He was an Auburn resident at the time of the alleged incident and was extradited from Delaware.

€ Jacob Hills pleaded guilty to a felony charge of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.

Hills attempted to enter a guilty plea last week, but Fandrich did not accept it because Hills had said he didn't know a credit card he used was stolen.

Hills admitted he knowingly used the stolen credit card and did not have permission from the owner to use it.

The 19-year-old had bought a $100 gift card and a pair of socks with the charge card.

His last known address is 8104 N. Jefferson, Kansas City, Mo.

Fandrich scheduled Hills' sentencing hearing for Tuesday, Oct. 9.

€ Daniella Burg's case was postponed to give her lawyer, Charles Marangola, time to discuss his client's wishes.

She is charged with the fourth-degree criminal possession of a stolen property for using a stolen credit card to buy $1,386 worth of goods at five stores.

The discussed sentencing would require Burg to attend a substance abuse treatment course, which she said would be “a waste of time” and she had “been there, done that.”

Fandrich asked her if she would rather serve jail time than the five years of probation, which included the treatment program.

The judge postponed the discussion until next Tuesday so she can confer with Marangola.

“I didn't mean to be so blunt, and rude about it, but ... there's not much they can do for me, you know what I mean? It's my own decision (to stop using),” Burg told the judge.

Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or

jessica.soule@lee.net