Cortland County Courthouse. (Photo Source: Kevin L. Smith of The Cortland Voice).
A man who was in a long standoff with city of Cortland police officers earlier this month was scheduled to appear in Cortland County Court on Tuesday for bail review.
According to defense attorney Janice Stafford, her client Adam Tortorice, currently in Cortland County Jail, refused to appear for Tuesday’s county court session. Further details on Tortorice’s absence remain to be seen.
County judge David Alexander that Tortorice now has refused to appear in court on two separate occasions.
Stafford suggested nominal bail for Tortorice. Assistant district attorney Jessica Weyant recommended bail on a $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bond.
Judge Alexander ultimately decided that Tortorice will continue to be remanded in county jail without bail.
Alexander then asked Stafford if Tortorice’s situation could be a “mental health component.” Stafford said she thinks it could be the case, adding she will further look into her client’s situation.
Back on Aug. 11, Tortorice was engaged in a long standoff with city police officers on Owego Street. During this, Tortorice was allegedly wielding a homemade firearm.
A breakdown of Tortorice’s standoff with city police can be viewed by clicking here.
Tortorice is facing multiple charges, including second-degree burglary (a Class-C Felony) and a handful of misdemeanors: criminal mischief in the fourth degree, obstruction of governmental administration and resisting arrest.
Tortorice is due to appear in Cortland city court on Wednesday (Aug. 23) at 11 a.m.
