JUDGE SAYS TO REDUCE INMATES POT CHARGE

CANTON - A felony charge against a state prison inmate who was found
in possession of marijuana at an Ogdensburg prison should be reduced
to a misdemeanor, a judge has ruled.

Michael Williams, 25, was indicted on a charge of first-degree
promoting prison contraband after being found with 8.1 grams of
marijuana at Riverview Correctional Facility on July 26. He pleaded
innocent in December.

St. Lawrence Public Defender Betsy A. Iverson challenged the
indictment, which charges her client with possessing dangerous
contraband. County Judge Jerome J. Richards, after reviewing the
minutes of the grand jury that indicted Mr. Williams, ruled that
witnesses failed to provide specific proof that the marijuana
possessed by Mr. Williams endangered the safety of the prison.

Judge Richards granted prosecution 30 days in which to seek a new
indictment, appeal the decision, proceed with a misdemeanor or seek
dismissal of the case. District Attorney Nicole M. Duve, who took
office Tuesday, said she had not yet seen the decision.