NORWICH – The arraignment of Nathan P. Fairchild, 30, of Norwich, took place when the Chenango County Court convened for an afternoon session on Monday, August 1. Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride represented the people of Chenango County in the case, while John Cameron was assigned as Fairchild's public defender. The Honorable Judge Frank B. Revoir Jr. presided over matters.

Fairchild faced charges of sexual abuse in the first degree, a class D felony; promoting obscene sexual performance by a child, a class D felony; and endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor. These charges stemmed from an incident at a residence on Cortland Street, in the City of Norwich, in January of 2016, where Fairchild is alleged to have subjected another person to sexual contact, and that person was less than 11-years-old.

The charge of promoting obscene performance by a child alleges that Fairchild – knowing the character and content thereof – produced, directed or promoted any obscene performance which included sexual conduct by a child less than 17 years of age.

Fairchild is further accused of knowingly acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less than 17 years old.

When he appeared in front of Judge Revoir on Monday, Cameron entered not guilty pleas to all counts on behalf of his client.

McBride was provided with the first opportunity to speak on the issue of bail. He said, “The defendant has no prior record. He stands accused of two class D felonies, and a class A misdemeanor. I ask that bail remain at $25,000 cash.” McBride also asked that an order of protection be issued for the victim and the victim's family.

Cameron had no objection to bail remaining the same, but requested that the proceedings be adjourned until Fairchild had a chance to have a 730 exam completed. A 730 exam refers to Article 730 of the Criminal Procedure Law of the State of New York. It is an order, issued by a judge, for the examination of a defendant to determine whether they are an incapacitated person.

Judge Revoir kept bail in the same amount, and adjourned proceedings until such time as the mental health exam could be completed. He ordered that Fairchild sign the order of protection, in favor of the victim and the victim’s family.