Ex-dispatcher admits stealing from her union

A former emergency dispatcher with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department admitted Wednesday in Jefferson County Court that she stole more than $17,000 from her labor union while serving as its treasurer.

Karen S. Calhoun,42, of 916 Strawberry Lane, Clayton, pleaded guilty to third-degree grand larceny. She is expected to be sentenced Jan. 20 to probation supervision and be ordered to perform community service, according to a contemplated sentence outlined in court.

She admitted that she stole $17,500 from Jefferson County Sheriffs Employees Local 3089, AFL-CIO, while she was the unit's treasurer between May 2005 and March 2008. She also is expected to be ordered to pay full restitution at sentencing.

Mrs. Calhoun, who was represented by the public defender's office, had been charged in a 119-count grand jury indictment unsealed in court in May with embezzling more than $15,000 from the union.

Mrs. Calhoun resigned from her 911 dispatch position in July 2008 when apparent improprieties were discovered in the union's treasury. She had been on the job since 1997.

In other court activity Wednesday:

Duane A. Bault,40, whose last known address was 163 Breen Ave., was sentenced to 12 years in state prison, followed by eight years of additional supervision upon his release, for Oct. 10 guilty pleas to two counts of first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child.

He admitted at the time of the plea that between Aug. 13, 2004, and July 1, 2006, he engaged in two or more acts of sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13 and that between Aug. 13. 2004, and May 2006 he engaged in acts of sexual intercourse with another girl under the age of 13. He will have to register with the state as a sexual offender upon his release from prison.

Dwayne R. Jordan,22, formerly of Tamarack Drive, Carthage, was sentenced to an unspecified amount of time served and 10 years' probation for a Sept. 11 guilty plea to third-degree rape. He also will have to register with the state as a Level 1 sexual offender. He admitted he had intercourse with a 14-year-old girl July 2 in West Carthage.

Tina R. Hubbard,35, Oriskany, was sentenced to six months in the Metro-Jefferson Public Safety Building and five years' probation for an Oct. 9 guilty plea to fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. She admitted she possessed cocaine, packaged with the intent to sell, Aug. 5 in Watertown. Her probation supervision will be transferred to Oneida County.

John S. Oregon,20, Adams, was sentenced to time served and three years' probation for Aug. 26 guilty pleas to second-degree criminal trespass and misdemeanor driving while intoxicated. He also was fined $500 and had his driver's license revoked. He admitted that he entered a garage in the town of Henderson with the intention of stealing liquor Dec. 27 and that he had driven while intoxicated to get to the location.

Michael D. Scott,22, Carthage, was sentenced to time served and three years' probation for a Sept. 16 guilty plea to seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He admitted he possessed cocaine May 16 in West Carthage.

Megan R. Murray,19, Carthage, was sentenced to three years' probation and ordered to pay $2,978 in restitution for a Sept. 16 guilty plea to petit larceny. She admitted that she stole tobacco products, food and shampoo in June from the Stewart's Shop in Great Bend, where she was an employee.

Cory T. Everard,21, Watertown, pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal contempt. He admitted that while incarcerated at the PSB he had a telephone conversation with the victim of a crime for which he was previously convicted, in violation of an order of protection. He also admitted violating probation by making the call.

He is serving 10 years' probation imposed Aug. 4 for a March 20 guilty plea to second-degree rape. He admitted having sexual intercourse with 14-year-old girl. He was resentenced Wednesday to time served and restored to probation.

James Sykes,25, an inmate at Gouverneur Correctional Facility, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault. He is expected to be sentenced Jan. 25 to an additional five years in prison, followed by five years' post-release supervision.

He pleaded guilty using an Alford plea, meaning he did not admit to the underlying facts in the case. He was accused of slicing the face of another inmate Sept. 4 at Cape Vincent Correctional Facility. The victim suffered an 8-inch cut, requiring 37 stitches.

Mark W. Shippee,54, of 115 Commercial St., Theresa, pleaded guilty to fourth-degree attempted grand larceny. Sentencing was set for Jan. 11. He admitted receiving $5,366 in state unemployment insurance benefits to which he was not entitled between December 2006 and June 2007.

Nicole L. Brown,19, County Route 63, Adams, pleaded guilty to fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Sentencing was set for Jan. 19. She admitted she possessed cocaine March 13 in Watertown.

Angelique K. Hinkle,30, of 127 Stuart St., pleaded guilty to petit larceny. Sentencing was set for Jan. 19. She admitted that she stole a debit card from a Watertown woman Sept. 24 on Washington Street.

Kristie L. Perkins,28, of 123 Breen Ave., Apt. 5, pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal trespass. Sentencing was set for Jan. 19. She admitted that she entered an Arsenal Street apartment without permission June 20.

Kevin M. Stevens,37, of 20749 Weaver Road, pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal contempt. Sentencing was set for Jan. 19. He admitted violating an order of protection held by his wife, Molly A., on July 13 by having physical contact with her.

Brenda Washburn,44, of 12468 School St., Rodman, pleaded guilty to fifth-degree welfare fraud. Sentencing was set for Jan. 19. She admitted receiving $5,578 in Department of Social Services benefits to which she was not entitled between October 2005 and March 2009.

Michael Waters,24, Anderson, Ind., pleaded guilty to felony DWI, reckless driving and resisting arrest. Sentencing was set for Jan. 19. He admitted that he struck several vehicles while driving drunk Sept. 2 on Po Valley Road in the town of LeRay and that he hit a police officer on the leg with the door of his vehicle.

Brian J. Gunn,32, Brownville, pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal trespass, second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. Sentencing was set for Jan. 20. He admitted entering the residence of a neighbor, Tyler A. Thorigal, on Oct. 7 and punching Mr. Thorigal and Andrew T. Thorigal several times. The intrusion occurred in the presence of a 7-year-old child.

Phillip M. Howard,43, of 206 Franklin St., Apt. 1, pleaded guilty to fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree criminal trespass. Sentencing was set for Jan. 20. He admitted entering an apartment at 126 Maywood Terrace without permission Oct. 13 and damaging a television and a cabinet door.

Jawanza K. Stark,36, of 417 Tilden St., pleaded guilty to fourth-degree criminal mischief. Sentencing was set for Jan. 22. He admitted damaging a woman's cell phone Aug. 9 in the village of Philadelphia.

Jasma M. Ryan,23, of 6222 Baker Road, Adams, pleaded guilty to fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Sentencing was set for Jan. 22. She admitted she possessed cocaine with the intent to sell the drug Aug. 25 in Watertown.