Judge sets trial for inmate accused of having drugs in prison
ALBION – A state inmate at the Orleans Correctional Facility will go to trial beginning Oct. 16 for promoting prison contraband in the first degree.
Jaquan Hill, 22, is from Suffolk County. He is serving a six-year sentence for first-degree burglary.
He allegedly had drugs in his possession in the prison. He has rejected any plea offers.
Sara Sheldon, the acting Orleans County Court judge, set Oct. 16 for the trial, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
“I’m excited,” Judge Sheldon said Monday, when announcing the trial date.
In other cases on Monday:
• The judge arraigned Frank Ranallo for violation of probation. Ranallo, 47, of Medina hasn’t been attending substance abuse and mental health counseling appointments. He also was using drugs, a violation of his probation, Assistant District Attorney Susan Howard said.
Ranallo on Jan. 23 was sentenced to six months in jail for attempted burglary in the second degree after he admitted to entering a house on Salt Words Road without permission and took two guns.
Judge Sheldon set bail at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond.
• An Albion man is being considered for a judicial diversion program, which would result in a reduction in a felony charge if he can complete the program.
Jacob T. Marks, 28, of Densmore Street faces charges of third-degree grand larceny and petit larceny. He allegedly took a credit card and jewelry from the victim in the crime and spent $38,000 in unauthorized purchases from September 2016 to April 2017.
Assistant DA Susan Howard said she opposed the diversion for Marks because he has been on it before and reoffended.
Judge Sheldon set an Oct. 2 hearing for Marks to be considered for the program.
• The judge sentenced a Middleport woman to three years of probation for criminal possession of a controlled substance. Sherri L. Bartenstein, 36, allegedly sold Clonazepam, which is used to treat anxiety or panic disorders. She is in a substance abuse program.
“Good luck, Sherri,” the judge said.
“Thank you. I won’t be back,” Bartenstein said.
