NORWICH – Five individuals charged with various felony and misdemeanor crimes appeared in county court Monday, three pleading not guilty to the charges brought against them while two others were sentenced, one to three and a half years in state prison.

Those who appeared Monday included:

• Edrick L. Rouse, 34, Syracuse, sentenced to three and a half years in state prison followed by three years of post release supervision after pleading guilty to one count of third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class B felony.

Rouse, who has one prior felony conviction, was indicted in April on charges of third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance; fourth degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class C felony; and fifth degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class D felony.

It was alleged that Rouse, on or about March 9, 2012, in the Town of Norwich, did knowingly and unlawfully possess five plastic baggies of the narcotic cocaine, with an aggregate weight of 4.47 grams, with the intent to sell. According to Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride, this is the second time Rouse has been charged with selling drugs in the area. Another conviction, he added, would lead to a much sterner sentence.

Said McBride, “If you deal drugs in Chenango County, you’re going to prison.”