BUTTERNUTS — The four Utica residents who have been held in the Otsego County Correctional Facility since they were apprehended following a nine-hour multi-agency search appeared in the Town of Butternuts Court Monday night for the purposes of a preliminary felony hearing.

The defendants were charged with burglary in the second degree, a class C felony. This means that it is alleged the defendants entered or remained unlawfully in a building or residence with the intent to commit a crime, and while in said building – or in flight therefrom – were either armed, caused physical injury to another person, used or threatened the use of a dangerous instrument, or displayed what appeared to be a firearm.

When authorities were searching for those involved in the alleged burglary, residents of South New Berlin, Gilbertsville, Butternuts, and all surrounding areas were instructed to lock their doors and remain inside.

Following the lengthy search that involved a helicopter, armored vehicle, and semi-automatic weaponry, the four were apprehended by authorities early in the morning of Aug. 14.

After speaking with their respective attorneys, and after a conference between the attorneys and the prosecution, the Town of Butternuts Justice Claudette Newman agreed to the terms laid out in the disposition, and the bail amounts for all four individuals was lowered.

“It is my understanding that if the defendants waive this preliminary felony hearing, bail will be reduced by half,” said Newman.