AUBURN - A teenager was denied youthful offender status in Cayuga County Court Tuesday when he was sentenced to 10 years probation for sexually abusing a 4-year-old boy last June.

Cayuga County Judge Mark Fandrich refused to grant the request for Brian Bell Jr., 16, of the William George Agency, Freeville, because he believed the safety of the community outweighed the victim's needs. If Bell had been granted youthful offender status, he would not be required to register as a sexual offender, making it difficult to limit or monitor Bell's future access to children.

Bell's attorney, James Leone, said the sexual abuse was an isolated incident and that his client was receiving treatment at the William George Agency, which caters to children who are deemed to be at risk of committing a crime due to family problems.

Bell was already at the facility receiving treatment for repeated sexual abuse he suffered as a child, which Leone said was a factor in his client's current crime.

But Fandrich said a psychological evaluation had determined Bell acted in a sexually inappropriately manner toward female peers at the agency on prior occasions.

“I do not believe the behavior is an isolated incident,” Fandrich said. “I do believe you need to get and should continue to get the help at the William George Agency.”

As part of probation, Bell will be required to remain in a secure cottage on the agency's campus until he graduates high school or successfully completes the treatment program. Bell will also have to pay $1,370 in fees.

Also in court:

• A local man was sentenced to six months in Cayuga County Jail with 10 years probation for the statutory rape of a 14-year-old girl he claimed to be in love with.

Corey Masson, 23, of 561 Turnpike Road, had previously pleaded guilty Aug. 5 to participating in a criminal sex act with a minor and rape, both felonies.

Masson admitted he was in a relationship with the girl for nearly a year when he had sexual contact with her on two separate occasions.

Masson was originally arrested for the rape charge July 1, 2007, and was arrested again for the criminal sex act Dec. 20, 2007.

In addition to a permanent order of protection that was issued for the victim, who was pregnant with his child, Masson was ordered to pay $1,370 in fines and must register as a sex offender.

• An Auburn man who is accused of being part of a mob that broke into an Owasco home and assaulted one of the residents on June 28, pleaded not guilty to nine charges related to that incident.

Demetris “Meechie” Medley, 18, of 122 Fulton St., was charged with three counts of burglary, gang assault, assault, and conspiracy, all felonies. Medley was also charged with criminal mischief, endangering the welfare of a child and criminal possession of a weapon, all misdemeanors.

Bail was left at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond.

• A Weedsport man pleaded guilty to criminal possession of marijuana, a felony, after his homegrown stash was discovered by firefighters.

Zachary Smithler, 19, of 3214 Jorolomon Road, admitted his plants were discovered after his house caught on fire Dec. 12, 2007.

Smithler is expected to receive shock probation when sentenced on Oct. 28.

• A Port Byron man was sentenced to 1.5 to 3 years in prison for statutory rape, a girl under the age of 17.

Thomas Krebs, 26, of 9636 Stickles Lane, also admitted he was convicted of burglary in Wayne County in 2006, making him a second-time felony offender.

Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net