NORWICH – A number of individuals charged with a variety of felony and misdemeanor crimes appeared in Chenango County Court Friday and Monday, three pleading guilty to the charges brought against them while six others pleaded not guilty and will re-appear in court at a later date.

•Andrew S. Button, 28, Mt. Upton, pleaded guilty to one count of first degree sexual abuse, a class D violent felony, and was sentenced to six months at the Chenango County Correctional Facility followed by ten years of probation. An order of protection was also issued, prohibiting any contact between Button and his victim.

Indicted by a Chenango County grand jury in January, it was alleged that – on or about Dec. 23, 2012, in the Village of Bainbridge – Button subjected another person to sexual contact, that person being under the age of eleven.

“Just from a human point of view, what the defendant did is inexcusable,” said Assistant District Attorney Michael J. Genute. “A seven-year-old not only had to endure it, but also had to go through the process of reporting an incident which she described as making her feel mad, sad, confused, and dirty.”

When given an opportunity to speak to the victim's parents, who were present during the proceedings, Button declined, although he did speak on his own behalf prior to sentencing.

“I am very sorry for what I have done, I just hope everyone can move on with their lives,” stated Button.