Burglary suspect charged, offered release on $100K bail

Posted by Howard Owens on November 10, 2009 - 7:50pm
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A Rochester man arrested Sept. 10 for allegedly breaking into a State Street home a week earlier was formally charged today with burglary in the second degree and criminal possession of stolen property.

Reginald M. Wilson, who was reportedly caught driving a vehicle stolen from the residence, was given a chance to get out of jail while he awaits trial. He must come up with $100,000 bail or $200,000 bond, according to Judge Robert Noonan.

Wilson, because of prior felony convictions, could potentially be sent to prison for life if convicted of the current charges. For that reason, Noonan refused bail to Wilson at a Sept. 16 hearing.

After today's hearing, Public Defender Gary Horton said that in all his years of practice, only twice has he seen three-time felony convicts sent to prison for life. He said it's an option for prosecutors -- which can be sought only after the third felony conviction -- that is rarely used.

Wilson has 12 prior convictions, including five felony convictions and has reportedly twice failed to appear for court dates.

Posted by Gary Spencer on November 10, 2009 - 11:26pm
If there was a text book case of why three strikes is a good idea it is Reggie Wilson. He has spent most of the past 16 years in prison, and when not behind bars he likes to commit robbery (three times in prison for this), and rape 14 year old girls (he is a registered sex offender).
Go to the DOCS web site:
http://nysdocslookup.docs.state.ny.us/GCA00P00/WIQ3/WINQ130

and the sex offender registry:
http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/cgi/internet/nsor/fortecgi?serviceNam...

It is obvious that he should not be out amongst the populous, and Judge Noonan has a responsibility to protect us from this guy.
Posted by Howard Owens on November 10, 2009 - 11:44pm
Gary, as I understand Mr. Horton, it will be up to DA Friedman first (but only after conviction) to decide whether to seek life in prison for Mr. Wilson.
Posted by Gary Spencer on November 10, 2009 - 11:59pm
Howard,
Thank you for clearing that up! Hopefully he makes the right choice!
Posted by Gary Spencer on November 11, 2009 - 12:03am
I am curious, what would be the maximum sentence on these charges, if DA Friedman declines to suggest a life sentence???
Posted by Howard Owens on November 11, 2009 - 12:24am
Gary, I'll see if I can find out the next time Mr. Wilson is in court.
Posted by Don Hawkins on November 12, 2009 - 12:35am
As a close relative of the victim I applaud the court's efforts.