NORWICH – An Oxford man appeared in Chenango County Court on Friday and requested a bail reduction, telling the court he was only accused of having a single gram of methamphetamine and $35 in cash at the time of his arrest. The request was denied by the court, with prosecutors claiming he is a major drug dealer.

Nicholas W. Andrews, 33, of Oxford was charged with a felony, fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, following a drug raid on September 14. Andrews was remanded to county jail on $12,000 cash bail.

Andrews told the court he needed to have his bail lowered so he could attend and perform at Apple Fest, an annual festival held in the Village of Greene. However, the judge noted to Andrews that Apple Fest had already occurred the weekend prior.

Even after his Defense Attorney Jack Kotchik said there are other reasons he should be released, the court ordered Andrews' bail remain the same.

"They recovered a gram of meth and like, $35 from my client," said Kotchik.

Kotchik argued his client was being charged with a serious crime over a relatively low level accusation. Kotchik said Andrews has been a life-long resident of Chenango County, and plays in a local band. He said his client had a place to stay in Oxford, and if released he would reside there.