CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) – A homeless Cortland man will spend 7 years behind bars.

On January 16, Drahcir Parson was sentenced on charges of assault and criminal mischief, both felonies. The 51-year-old was previously convicted for attacking and injuring a Cortland County Corrections Officer during his November 2022 incarceration.

“The purpose for the elevated penalty in this particular offense is to deter inmate misbehavior while in custody,” stated Cortland County District Attorney Patrick Perfetti. “The Office of the District Attorney will stand ready to support the Sheriff’s Office when inmates [willfully] injure any corrections officer.”

Given a 7-year determinate term, Parson will be eligible for parole after six years.  He will also be subject to three years of post-release supervision.