Beard was sentenced Tuesday by Judge Michael L. Dwyer to three to nine years in state prison, an agreed upon sentence after Beard pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter, reduced from second-degree murder.
Wayne R. Smith, 54, made his first appearance before Judge Michael L. Dwyer on Tuesday on two counts each of attempted first-degree assault, second-degree assault, driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident, as well as one count each of third-degree possession of a weapon and failure to yield. Smith pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Former Utica City School District Superintendent Bruce Karam was supposed to report on a plea offer in Oneida County Court today, but instead, another adjournment.
Former longtime Utica mayor, school board member and board president, Louis D. LaPolla, pleaded guilty in Oneida County Court on Wednesday to a misdemeanor count of petit larceny.