NORWICH – A New Berlin couple have been arrained in Chenango County Court after allegations that they were “running a drug house,” according to District Attorney Joseph McBride.

Alan L. Crisell, 31 of New Berlin, was arraigned for class E felony nuisance in first degree. Crisell pleaded not guilty.

“This defendant was running a drug house out of his home in South New Berlin. The alleged drug dealer is in jail. He was bringing drugs from out of town,” said McBride. “He also has a welfare fraud conviction out of Norwich. I would ask that a reasonable bail is set, Judge.”

“My client is marginally employed (locally), has a wife and a long-term residence in the area. They weren’t bringing drug dealers from out of town. It may have been an error in judgment for them to associate with this individual,” said Crisell’s public defender, David Sonn.

“We ask that we get a pre-plea to justify my client’s position this case. He and his wife never sold drugs.”

Judge Revoir said that even when he looked into the background of Crisell’s case in the most favorable light, it does not look good.

“They each made a statement saying that they brought drug dealers from Utica and Syracuse for the specific purpose of selling drugs,” said Revoir.

“If my client has made those statements, I stand corrected,” said Sonn.

Revoir set bail at $5,000 cash bail and $50,000 bond.