A state appeals court has upheld several criminal convictions tied to cases in Cayuga County, reinforcing sentences tied to domestic violence, assault, and drug-related offenses.
Cayuga County District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci announced that the Appellate Division, Fourth Department affirmed the convictions of multiple defendants in recent rulings.
Among those cases, Austin Deal’s convictions were upheld after he admitted to making a death threat in violation of an order of protection and continuing to contact the victim while jailed. He later pleaded guilty to an additional aggravated family offense, receiving consecutive sentences totaling 3½ to 7 years in prison.
Ryan Kelsey’s convictions were also affirmed. He was initially charged following a domestic incident, then later accused of assaulting another inmate while in custody. He pleaded guilty to both charges and was sentenced to concurrent prison terms, including three years for the assault conviction, along with post-release supervision and restitution for medical expenses.
Craig Laird’s convictions were upheld as well after he pleaded guilty to multiple counts of aggravated family offense and criminal contempt tied to repeated violations of orders of protection. He was sentenced to a total of 3 to 6 years in prison.
In a separate ruling, the court affirmed the conviction of Kyle Session, who admitted to selling cocaine in the city of Auburn. He was sentenced to five years in prison followed by three years of post-release supervision.
Prosecutors said the appeals were handled by Chief Assistant District Attorney Christopher T. Valdina.
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