October 18, 2023
ALFRED, NY – The four gang assault suspects, Eric R Plante, 19, Elmira, Moses N Scharborough, 19, Elmira, Jayson E Lewis, 20, Elmira and William J Blye, 20, Elmira, appeared in Alfred Village Court on Monday evening, before Judge Wende Bush. It began with Assistant District Attorney Ian Jones making a motion for adjournment. Jones asked the judge to delay the court proceeding, because the primary witness, the victim, was hospitalized. The defense attorneys objected, saying that both police and others were present at the incident on Sunday morning, and that the law enforcement and others who were there, would be able to testify. The defense lawyers also argued that in homicide cases, it is standard procedure to move forward without the main witness (and in this case, the victim). Jones then said, “this was not a homicide case,” and explained the victim/witness will eventually be able to appear in court. A defense attorney then told the judge that the Allegany County District Attorneys Office had all the evidence collected, and that defense attorney asked for the court to proceed. Assistant D.A. Jones then stated that just because there was some discussion about discovery, that did not mean that the prosecution wanted to go ahead at this point.
Judge Wende Bush deciced to allow for a short adjournment, and asked Assistant D.A. Jones, how much time would be needed. Jones responded by saying, one week. The four defense attorneys then requested that the judge release the suspects. Judge Bush remanded the four suspects back to the Allegany County Jail. Bail for the suspects, will remain the same as before.
The next court appearance will be on Wednesday, October 25 at 4:00pm.
