The Citizen
AUBURN - A local man who said he left New York to get away from drugs was sentenced in Cayuga County Court Tuesday to 3.5 years in prison after he voluntarily returned to Auburn to face charges for selling cocaine in 2006.
Darris Hayes, 24, formerly of 44 Wallace Ave., apt. 2, Auburn, said he moved to Florida in order to change his life after selling drugs in Auburn. While in Florida, Hayes said he began to mentor children on the dangers of drug abuse and later discovered a warrant had been issued for his arrest in Auburn.
Simon Moody, Hayes' attorney, said that instead of running, his client voluntarily returned to Cayuga County to face the charges.
“I am here to pay my respects back to the community for the things I have done,” Hayes said. “I admit what I've done and I am here to take responsibility.”
In exchange for the guilty plea to felony criminal sale of a controlled substance that he entered on Oct. 14, Hayes will also receive a shock camp recommendation and 1.5 years of post release supervision. If Hayes completes shock camp, he will be eligible for an early release.
Hayes also admitted he was a second felony offender who was convicted for the sale of a controlled substance in 2004.
Due to the severity of Hayes recent drug conviction, Moody said he was worried his client would not be allowed to enter the program despite a recommendation from Cayuga County Judge Mark Fandrich.
Fandrich said that if Hayes was not allowed to enter the program, he would entertain a motion to vacate the plea deal, and allow Hayes to plead guilty to a lesser drug offense in order to get into shock camp.
Also in court:
#&149; A local man faces up to three years in prison after he pleaded guilty to his third driving while intoxicated charge in seven years.
Cardinal Paradiso, 58, of 714 Avery Ave., Syracuse, said he was driving home from the bar when an officer pulled him over on Route 370 in Cato.
In addition to the DWI charge, Paradiso pleaded guilty to driving without a license.
Paradiso also admitted he was convicted of DWI in 2004 and 2001. Paradiso is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 10.
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
Darris Hayes, 24, formerly of 44 Wallace Ave., apt. 2, Auburn, said he moved to Florida in order to change his life after selling drugs in Auburn. While in Florida, Hayes said he began to mentor children on the dangers of drug abuse and later discovered a warrant had been issued for his arrest in Auburn.
Simon Moody, Hayes' attorney, said that instead of running, his client voluntarily returned to Cayuga County to face the charges.
“I am here to pay my respects back to the community for the things I have done,” Hayes said. “I admit what I've done and I am here to take responsibility.”
In exchange for the guilty plea to felony criminal sale of a controlled substance that he entered on Oct. 14, Hayes will also receive a shock camp recommendation and 1.5 years of post release supervision. If Hayes completes shock camp, he will be eligible for an early release.
Hayes also admitted he was a second felony offender who was convicted for the sale of a controlled substance in 2004.
Due to the severity of Hayes recent drug conviction, Moody said he was worried his client would not be allowed to enter the program despite a recommendation from Cayuga County Judge Mark Fandrich.
Fandrich said that if Hayes was not allowed to enter the program, he would entertain a motion to vacate the plea deal, and allow Hayes to plead guilty to a lesser drug offense in order to get into shock camp.
Also in court:
#&149; A local man faces up to three years in prison after he pleaded guilty to his third driving while intoxicated charge in seven years.
Cardinal Paradiso, 58, of 714 Avery Ave., Syracuse, said he was driving home from the bar when an officer pulled him over on Route 370 in Cato.
In addition to the DWI charge, Paradiso pleaded guilty to driving without a license.
Paradiso also admitted he was convicted of DWI in 2004 and 2001. Paradiso is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 10.
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
Citizen
Hot Jobs
New! Off the Menu
The Citizens' Say
Post your comment - click hereThere are No comments posted.