NORWICH – Former Norwich Assistant Superintendent of Public Works George Carnrike Jr., appeared in Norwich City Court Monday and declined a plea offer from prosecutors over charges filed by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Carnrike is charged with a number of offenses that mostly include him directing Norwich DPW workers to carry out improper acts on the job and falsifying paperwork to cover it up. Allegedly they moved raw sewage improperly with unpermitted equipment and disposed of chemicals improperly, among other charges.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Among the more serious offenses are making a punishable false written statement, second degree unlawful dealing with hazardous wastes and second degree offering a false instrument for filing, all misdemeanors.

The case is being handled by Oneida City Judge Michael J. Misiaszek and prosecuted by the Otsego County District Attorney's Office, after local officials recused themselves from the case.

Appearing in court Monday, Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl, said he would review the case record and determine if any possible felony charges would be filed.