Published: May 20, 2008 10:26 pm            

ORLEANS COUNTY COURT: Longer sentence ordered

ALBION — Five weeks after being sentenced for felony driving while intoxicated, a Medina man found himself in Orleans County Court again Monday. His appearance came after he arrived at the Orleans County Jail on time and intoxicated for his weekend sentence, according to reports.

Sean D. Wheatle, 42, was originally sentenced April 14 to eight weekends at the Orleans County Jail and three years of probation. Orleans County Judge James Punch said he had received a report from the jail that stated Wheatle appeared at the jail to report for his weekend sentence and was intoxicated at the time.

“Part of the order I issued was that you show up on time and sober. You showed up on time, but you weren’t sober,” Punch said. “If this happens twice, you’re looking at straight time.”

According to Punch, there was no report that Wheatle was uncooperative with officers when he arrived at the jail.

Assistant District Attorney John Sansone said he would like to see Wheatle completely resentenced. Punch opted instead to find the defendant in contempt of court and added a weekend on to the end of the original eight-week sentence. By doing so, the additional weekend will not cause confusion to the schedule he is on or the probation department.

“Please don’t do that again. If you do, you’re looking at a year in jail,” Punch said.

Contact reporter Miranda Vagg at 798-1400, ext. 2225.

        

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