NORWICH – One of three people charged with felony criminal mischief in May of 2011 for slashing the tires of numerous vehicles in the parking lot of New Berlin’s Preferred Mutual Insurance was sentenced to five years probation in Chenango County Court Friday, while Michael J. Hicks, accused of felony grand larceny, received a brief furlough prior to serving an agreed-upon disposition of two to four years in state prison.

Duane M. Turner, 23, of New Berlin, was originally charged with second degree criminal mischief – a class D felony – following the tire slashing incident. On Friday, he pleaded guilty to one count of third degree criminal mischief – a class E felony – and must pay approximately $3,000 in restitution.

Turner’s cooperation with authorities, said Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride, resulted in the five year sentence of probation versus incarceration. If Turner were to violate the terms and conditions of his probation, however, he could face up to four years in state prison.

“This defendant and two others terrorized the Town of New Berlin,” added the district attorney. “You damaged that community.”