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Putnam DA Levy Announces Guilty Verdict in Arson Case
Putnam District Attorney Adam Levy announced the February 15 guilty verdict of Arson in the 2nd degree, a class B violent felony and Criminal Mischief in the 4th degree, a class A misdemeanor against 36-year-old William J. Haughey, stemming from a March 10, 2007 incident at Smalley's Restaurant and Bar in Carmel. The defendant, a resident of Carmel, New York was convicted by a jury of 12 who found him guilty of all charges.
According to Levy, the trial lasted five days. Assistant District Attorneys Robert Noah and Gregory Folchetti tried the case on behalf of the People. The guilty verdict came after 7 and 1/2 hours of jury deliberation over a two day period. ADAs Noah and Folchetti convinced the jury of 12 of the defendant's guilt, despite the fact that there were no eye-witnesses to the arson.
Sergeant John Dearman, Officer Justin Fisher and Investigator Michael Nagle arrested Mr. Haughey on March 11, 2007 and investigated the arson on behalf of the Carmel Police Department. Investigator Nagle testified during the trial. The People's case was greatly aided by the expert testimony of Robert Geoghegan, Level 1 Fire Investigator for the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services.
District Attorney Levy said the circumstantial evidence was overwhelming and led to only one logical conclusion and that was the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 15, 2008. Mr. Haughey, a 2nd felony offender, faces a term of imprisonment between 8 to 25 years.
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