Syracuse, NY -- A former special needs counselor who had oral sex with a teenage girl at a Camillus group home got his last break today , a County Court judge promised. Markeem Chaplin , of South Avenue, Syracuse, admitted to violating probation after he pleaded guilty in December to sex abuse involving the year-old girl.
Chaplin, now a registered sex offender, would not talk about his crime or discuss his future plans with a probation officer, as required under his year probationary sentence. Though he admitted violating probation today, Chaplin almost fell into the same trap as previous court appearances: he started defending what he'd done. The judge paused and asked Chaplin to read the accusation carefully.
County Court Judge Thomas J. Miller again asked Chaplin if he admitted what he'd done. His lawyer, Marc Stornelli mouthed the word, "yes," which Chaplin repeated. Assistant District Attorney Anthony Germano said that Chaplin should be sent to state prison for violating probation. But the judge also expressed hope: Chaplin had been much more cooperative with probation at a meeting last Firday.
Miller told Chaplin that he'd remain free for 90 days to see if he kept cooperating. If Chaplin did, he'd continue on probation. But if not, Chaplin would go to prison for up to four years. Chaplin was a special needs counselor for Toomey Residential and Community Services, an affiliate of Catholic Charities, when the offenses occurred. He was also accused of providing marijuana to group home residents. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
Central NY News Judge 'a little betrayed' by ex-counselor who had oral sex in group home, violated probation Published: Mar. By Douglass Dowty ddowty syracuse.
