People v. Oakley

Mar 28, 2013
Versions:104 A.D.3d 1059
960 N.Y.S.2d 759

Lahtinen, J.

On several occasions in 2010, defendant allegedly entered various buildings in Columbia County, including a dwelling, and stole property located therein. He was arrested, charged with various counts of burglary and larceny, and eventually pleaded guilty without waiving his right to appeal. He was sentenced, as a second felony offender, to 181/2 years in prison followed by postrelease supervision and ordered to pay restitution. His arguments on appeal include that the Columbia County District Attorney should be disqualified from representing the People on this appeal because, prior to being elected to that position, he was the County Judge who presided over and sentenced him in this matter. In light of our recent decision in Matter of Czajka v Koweek (100 AD3d 1136 [2012], lv denied 20 NY3d 857 [2013]), this argument has merit. Accordingly, we withhold decision and remit to County Court for the expeditious appointment of a special prosecutor (see County Law § 701).

Mercure, J.P., Rose and Garry, JJ., concur. Ordered that the decision is withheld, and matter remitted to the County Court of Columbia County for further proceedings not inconsistent with this Court‘s decision.