3 are sentenced in County Court, including 2 to state prison
ALBION – Three people were sentenced in Orleans County Court today, including two people to state prison.
Darren Marker received the longest sentence, with 3 years in state prison and 3 years of post-release supervision.
Marker, 33, of Medina was sentenced for attempted first-degree robbery. He allegedly was in a vehicle on Main Street in Medina at 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 8 when he pulled out a knife and threatened a victim. Marker allegedly already owed the victim $110 after borrowing money with no intention of paying it back, the District Attorney’s Office said. Marker also allegedly stole cellular phone power banks from Crosby’s.
Marker faced up to 3 ½ years in state prison. Sara Sheldon, interim county court judge, gave him some leniency.
Marker said he has been in and out of since he was 17. He is determined to break the cycle of drug addiction, he told the judge.
“It’s a horrible life,” he said. “Prison is not something I want to make a career out of.”
Marker said he has a loving family as motivation. His goal is to become a drug abuse counselor.
Sheldon wished him well.
“Prisons have really good programs, but they’re not going to seek you out,” she said. “Don’t just go to the programs, but step up and be a leader in the program.”
• An Albion man was sentenced to 2 years in state prison, plus 3 years of post-release supervision for attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.
Kenneth Thompson, 52, allegedly had crack cocaine packaged for sale on Dec. 11 at 135 North Main St., Room 3, where he was living.
Thompson was previously convicted of a drug charge on Oct. 5, 2015.
His attorney, Dominic Saraceno, said Thompson struggles with schizophrenia in addition to drug addiction. The schizophrenia often leads Thompson to drugs to “self medicate,” Saraceno told the judge.
“He is not as bad as he looks on paper,” Saraceno said about Thompson. “If you get to talk to him, he’s actually a real nice guy.”
The judge said the sentence for state prison would include drug and mental health treatment.
“I agree with your lawyer, I don’t think you’re a bad guy either,” Sheldon said. “But you’ve got to be stronger and find something positive to do with your time.”
• A Rochester woman received 5 years probation after pleading guilty to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.
Shanya Beasley, 39, admitted she had cocaine with the intent to sell it in Orleans County on April 18, 2017. She was also ordered to pay $600 in restitution to the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force.
