(Photo Source: Kevin L. Smith:The Cortland Voice)
A Homer man was convicted of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (a Class-B Felony) and sentenced to five years in prison and two years of post-release supervision on Tuesday at Cortland County Court.
Corrie Ryan, 40, pleaded guilty to the felony in October. Back in March of this year, Ryan was arrested for driving erratically and on the wrong side of the road while under the influence of drugs.
Upon search of his vehicle, city police officers found 107.1 grams (or 3.8 ounces) of methamphetamine in Ryan’s possession.
Ryan was originally charged with second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, but as part of the plea bargain, it was downgraded to a third-degree charge (a felony).
John Sharon, Ryan’s defense attorney, noted on Tuesday in court that Ryan made a “conscious decision” to stay in Cortland County Jail for a handful of months instead of accepting bail.
“He made a lot of personal progress by doing that. When I first met Mr. Ryan, he looked like a street drug addict,” Sharon said, noting Ryan “seemed healthy” after being in jail for those few months.
“He was taking care of himself and his thinking was clearer,” Sharon added.
“It was a wise choice,” County judge David Alexander said, lauding Ryan for choosing to stay in jail instead of accepting bail.
Ryan read a letter in court on Tuesday, apologizing for his “contributions to the drug problem that has plagued this town for years.”
“Buying, selling and using drugs has not only hurt my family, but the community,” he added.
Ryan noted in the letter he is not the same person when “sober versus when I’m under the influence.”
“I am a good parent and I work hard,” he added, noting he believes one day he can be a contributing member to the community.
Ryan requested to be sent somewhere “to get help” in place of his sentencing or prior to it.
Alexander, however, recommended that Ryan stick with the plea deal.
“Anybody who has been in a difficult situation as you have, knows that no one out there can quite understand your situation as well as you do, especially when you feel trapped in it,” Alexander said. “The only way out of it is going through it.”
With the sentencing in place, Ryan now becomes a second felony offender. Alexander noted in the past that if Ryan is convicted of another felony in the future, he could become a persistent felony offender and face a life sentence.
Sharon is hopeful that Ryan will “move on and become better prepared with the rest of his life.”
“Otherwise, the opportunities are pretty bleak as we all know,” Sharon added.
Alexander mentioned to Ryan that he hopes the “time will pass quickly” for him in jail.
Ryan chose not to appeal his sentencing.
