NORWICH – On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the grand jury met and the District Attorney presented evidence against a number of individuals accused of felony offenses. At an indictment proceeding, witnesses give testimony to the jury, and the District Attorney offers statements and reasons as to why he believes there is sufficient evidence to indict.

The defendant and defense counsel are not present during a grand jury proceeding, but if indicted, the defense is provided with a transcript of the proceedings. This is often why prosecutors do not provide all the evidence they have at a grand jury proceeding.

Once the District Attorney and witnesses have finished, the grand jury convenes to decides if there is enough evidence to indict. On Wednesday, the grand jury indicted ten.

• Farrell M. Ruffles, was indicted on the charges of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a class E felony; aggravated driving while intoxicated, a class E felony; and driving while intoxicated, a class E felony.

It is alleged that on or about Dec. 15, 2013 in the Town of Norwich, that Ruffles did knowingly and unlawfully operate a motor vehicle knowing that his driver’s license was revoked or suspended. Additionally, Ruffles was allegedly operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and had a blood alcohol content of .21 – more than twice the legal limit –, per an analysis of his breath.