NORWICH – Fitim R. Latifi – accused of selling heroin – was scheduled to begin his jury trial on May 23, however, he chose to opt out of the trial, accepting a plea bargain from The Chenango County District Attorney's Office.

Latifi, 32, of 16 Sheldon Street in The City of Norwich was in court on May 20, with his attorney Thomas D. Jackson Jr. of the Jackson Bergman Attorneys at Law office in Binghamton.

Judge James E. Downey presided over the matter, while First Assistant District Attorney Michael D. Ferrarese was present on behalf of the people of Chenango County.

Latifi was originally arrested back on August 28, 2015, picked up by the Chenango County Sheriff's Office for an active arrest warrant that was issued by the Chenango County Court. The warrant was issued by the court following a sealed indictment presented to the grand jury on August 28, 2015.

Latifi had been under investigation for the sale of heroin in the Norwich area for ‘some time’ before being picked up on the arrest warrant, according to a press release that was issued at that time.

CCSO Narcotics Detectives, Road Patrol Deputies, and members of the Norwich Police Department located Latifi at his residence of 16 Sheldon St. in the City of Norwich.

Latifi was indicted on four counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, all class B felonies.