CORTLAND, NY (CortacaToday) – A Cortlandville man is headed to state prison.

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, 55-year-old Patrick Rich was sentenced to 1 to 3 years of incarceration to settle 6 pending cases in 3 local jurisdictions, including felony criminal contempt for violating an order of protection.

Cortland County District Attorney Patrick Perfetti says all of Rich’s cases concerned the same victim. In October 2022, Rich was initially charged with misdemeanor criminal contempt and accumulated additional arrests in the subsequent time, including one for probation violation.

Perfetti adds bail reform hurt the community and Rich in this circumstance.

“This is an example of how cashless bail places victims at risk who have a right to be left alone,” said Perfetti. “Also, earlier pre-trial detention in this case may have permitted diversion resources to be engaged to benefit Rich.”

The court issued a 10-year order of protection to the victim, the maximum time permitted by law.