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Corfu man given three years in prison

By Brittany Baker

After several postponements of his case, Marc Cook was sentenced today to three years in prison following three counts of probation violation. His sentences will be served concurrently, and he'll have post-release supervison.

Cook, 18, of Corfu, violated probation related to prior convictions for a youthful offender case, as well as a conviction for criminal stolen property in the fourth degree and attempted burglary in the second degree (which is considered a violent offense).

He expressed remorse, saying "It's been really hard. I haven't had a lot of guidance in life.  I get afraid, so I use (cocaine and heroine) again. I want to change my life for my newborn baby if you give me the chance."

Judge Robert Noonan acknowledged it hasn't been easy for Cook, saying, "You have had many cases adjourned, some with success, some with failure. Your life is not over, you are a young man with lifelong problems to deal with. Hopefully, you'll find a way to turn your life around after incarceration."

Cook has the choice to appeal within 30 days.

jennifer runfola

well brittany didnt waste no time did ya? court didnt start until about 10 and already had this posted by 12 real cute....do you think people are proud to have their names in the papers or even on the internet? NO!! What was it your business to be at court today? Do you know him? again NO!! what gives you the right to announce his drug use over the internet? that is none of your business or anyone elses! do you think he's proud of it? NO!!! you had no right to post this. Since marc cant speak for himself I myself his fiance will speak for him...Marc is an awesome guy and that is why i am with him and i will stick by him the whole 3yrs hes gone and i am goin to miss him like crazy hes not some junkie your playing him out to be hes a very smart kid and he has a lot of potential. People like you brittany give people like us the bad names that we end up getting. so how bout this mind your own business and stay outta mine and my mans business. Get a life and stay outta his. Were you at court for anyone else today because you do know there were a coulple of court cases. I DONT SEE THEM IN HERE! I am very outraged at this point and i dont think its right for you to post anything about anyone on here without their permission but who am I? Ya he's made a mistake or 2 he's not perfect but who is? I'm sure brittany you are far from perfect and im sure you have made a few mistakes in life but i dont see you blogging about it. You news reporters/journalist always make the person thats in trouble seem worst than what they really are. You ruin peoples names!

Aug 25, 2009, 4:22pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Jennifer, I'm sure this is hard issue for you and Mr. Cook's family, but the fact of the matter is, what happens in court is public. Anybody can attend court and anybody can report what happens in court.

I assigned the coverage to Brittany and instructed her to file the story as quickly as possible -- it is our policy at The Batavian to always post our stories as soon as humanly possible.

I'm not going to apologize for anything we cover in open court. It's public record and the public is entitled to know what goes on in court. It's how the American system works and is supposed to work.

I'm sure Mr. Cook will make you a very fine husband some day. You should be proud of sticking by him. I'm sure he's remorseful for his actions. But they are his actions and if they lead to jail time or media coverage, that's his responsibility.

Aug 25, 2009, 4:29pm Permalink
Brittany Baker

Jennifer,

Not only did I portray your fiance accurately, I believe I portrayed him in a better light than you give me credit for. I said he was remorseful. I included a quote from him. I did not call him "some junkie" or anything of the sort. I am not judging his or your lifestyle, so please do not judge mine.

Aug 25, 2009, 4:40pm Permalink
Paul Cook

I don't know who this Marc guy is, he didn't murder children or anything like that so I don't care. These posts are not news, the only people who care are the ones that know the people and take offense like Jennifer here. Keep this garbage police plotter nonsense off this site. I don't care how many people at the Phish concert got a DWI. Its filler bullcrap smalltown gossip. This site has had promise but when we are actually sending a person to report probation violations and we really have to ask is your time better spent? Volunteer at the animal shelter/old folks home, whatever, instead of listening in court to someone elses troubles. You prolly will feel a lot better. If you do already, stick with it.

Aug 25, 2009, 10:01pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

One of the most consistent positive feedback comments I get from readers I meet are "I love the police blotter" (not that technically, we have a proper police blotter as it is usually understood in newspaper terms). And I often get questions about follow ups on particular cases, or if I ever find out what happened in particular cases. Mr. Cook was a person of interest, and why I asked Brittany to cover this case, is because his arrest several months ago elicited quite a bit of response, so he was obviously a person of interest in the community. Also, I found it rather odd that he was on the court docket so many months after that arrest. And also he was on the docket three times, all listed as "arraignment/warrant," which also struck me as curious.

We're going to continue to cover arrests and court cases as we have been and I'm going to continue to watch the docket for cases we've previously covered.

It's especially important in a small community, because these cases impact more directly a lot more people, relatively speaking, than in a big city.

Aug 25, 2009, 10:11pm Permalink
Paul Cook

I see the headline changed to something more professional. Still don't care about this guy, glad to see there is actually positive community news posted above this. Its too bad people love reading about these stories to make them feel better about themselves. Probably the same people that watch all 10 Law and Order shows.

Aug 26, 2009, 7:18am Permalink
Peter O'Brien

So we are expected to believe that a man who has a child out of wedlock, is involved with hard drugs, is a repeat offender, and steals from others is just a normal person who "made bad decisions"

Sorry, the only label he has earned in my mind is CRIMINAL.

Sure 3 years in the slammer may change him but I doubt it, people usually only get worse when in prison.

Jennifer be sure to tell us how you feel about this in a year after you digest everything and raise the baby on your own. You and the baby are the only ones I feel bad for in this situation.

Aug 26, 2009, 7:29am Permalink
jennifer runfola

well peter aka GOD aka MR.PERFECT 1 day your mouth will catch up to you im sure of it!! I really hope someone in your family makes a poor choice and ends up where marc is! marc has made some poor choices and i will be the 1st one to admit that he has and marc will also tell you the same. I do think he will change while hes in prison. 3yrs will give him plenty of time to think about what he has done. Im not saying he shouldnt pay for what he has done what im saying is that drug use is no ones business hes not proud of it and it shouldnt be posted!!! i dont need you to feel sorry for me or the baby, i am a strong person and i will continue living my life weather marc is here or not. As for him having a child out of wedlock lmao do you know what century it is? we aren't in the 1800's.

Howard obviously you dont know the whole story behind the postponements but thats none of your business as to why the were postponed.

Brittany why the change of the headline? anyways my point is this the only people in that court room were me and his family we know about his drug past you didnt until you got there and stuck your nose into his business. You had no right to post that. AGAIN HE IS NOT PROUD OF IT AND YOU DID MAKE HIM SOUND LIKE A JUNKIE. I my self have never touched either one of them drugs listed above and trust and believe you will never be able to judge me or post a blog about myself!

lol what can i say this is genesee county for ya nosey people that have no lives and slander other peoples names!

Aug 26, 2009, 9:43am Permalink
Peter O'Brien

His drug use is something the town should know about. That makes him potentially dangerous. Knowing he is an addict helps the rest of us when we see him.

If you look, most successful people in life don't have kids before marriage. Obviously he is unsuccessful and had one before hand.

Aug 26, 2009, 9:47am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Jennifer, I changed the headline. Further, what happens in a public court room is EVERYBODY'S business. And we have every right to post anything we choose that we see and hear in court. If you don't want it public knowledge, don't bring it up in court. There is no right to privacy while court is in session.

Aug 26, 2009, 9:56am Permalink
jennifer runfola

you people are a joke! its all good cuz he will change his life and you will not have an update. the funny thing is, is when she was asked if she was there for the daily news she said no but failed to say that she was there for the batavian. seriously get a life and stop worrying about everyone else. I am a very successful person i have accomplished most of my goals and i have a child out of wedlock. ever hear that saying dont judge a book by its cover well dont judge marc because of his poor choices in life. he's 19yrs old and has a long life ahead of him, And someday he will be something. If you ever met marc you would know how he really is and how great of a person he is.

Also doesnt give you a right to post his habits on here. You could of left them out.

The place i am employed at was looking for a place to advertise because its a new business in town and my boss had asked me where he could do it and i told them the batavian but i will be sure to tell them not to advertise through you

Aug 26, 2009, 10:15am Permalink
Richard Gahagan

Add some more names to Peter's enemy list. Several very successful and well respected powerful business and world leaders have had children out of wedlock.

Aug 26, 2009, 10:13am Permalink
jennifer runfola

thank you richard! I would be one of them successful people that have had a child out of wedlock, i have a very good career that is well paying But since im beign judged upon marriage and having a baby outside of marriage i must be a low life scum. Mind you i have a college education but im a nobody because i have a child out of wedlock lmao...you people really have no lives. I really wonder if peter is married or if he has any kids of his own. He's a very hated man on this site not only by me but by others

Aug 26, 2009, 10:27am Permalink
Brittany Baker

I was never asked if I was from the Batavia Daily news because I had already mentioned I was from The Batavian.

Also, you and his family were not the only ones in the court room. Obviously, I was.

I had every right to mention his drug use because he brought it up in public court. Believe me, I had a plethora of quotes to choose from - I think I chose one that puts him in a better light than you give me credit for.

Aug 26, 2009, 10:47am Permalink
Kim Grant

I don't hate you Peter. I may not always agree with everything you post but most of the time I do. :)

Aug 26, 2009, 10:51am Permalink
Kim Grant

Slander -

A type of defamation. Slander is an <u>untruthful</u> oral (spoken) statement about a person that harms the person's reputation or standing in the community. Because slander is a tort (a civil wrong), the injured person can bring a lawsuit against the person who made the false statement. If the statement is made via broadcast media -- for example, over the radio or on TV -- it is considered libel, rather than slander, because the statement has the potential to reach a very wide audience.

Brittany wasn't slandering anyone's name. She is within her right. You slandering <i>her</i> name, would be cause for another court appearance.

Aug 26, 2009, 11:20am Permalink
John Roach

Did this point get missed?

Brittany was assigned by Howard to do this story. She didn't just get up and say, "I'll go to court today".

Aug 26, 2009, 11:33am Permalink
jennifer runfola

i dont care what u do!!! you have slanderd fiances namd sooo i will slander your name...and i dont care john roach what she was assigned i didnt c the daily news there. ARE YOU MISSING THIS POINT I DONT CARE THAT SHE WAS THERE I CARE THAT SHE PUT HIS DRUG USE ON THE INTERNET WHERE EVERYONE CAN C IT...NO RESPECT..

Aug 26, 2009, 11:45am Permalink
Peter O'Brien

I said MOST not all.

Second, your college education really shows in your punctuation and capitalization.

Third, I am engaged. I have no children. They will come when my betrothed and I decide to have them.

Hate me all you want it doesn't change the fact that you are engaged to a criminal. Sorry that is his life story. CRIMINAL. Summed up in one word.

Aug 26, 2009, 11:50am Permalink
Peter O'Brien

I'll even clarify some more,

Most who have children out of wedlock before being "established" are unsuccessful.

Aug 26, 2009, 12:14pm Permalink
Kelly Hansen

Mr. Cook and his family have the opportunity of many, many good years ahead. He'll serve his time and it will be very hard on him and his family. It may seem very dark, as it does with anyone at the moment of intense crisis. Hurt and anger are very close relatives and it is perfectly normal for someone hurting to strike out at others. A more positive outlook on the situation is to focus on a future of making better choices and to learn from the difficult times. It is my hope that others at a crossroads will learn from the situation and decide not to repeat the same mistakes. Three years seems like a long time, but it is but a blink of the eye in a span of a long life. All will be well and look forward to a fresh start.

Sometimes the facts hurt and the best we can do is learn from them and put them behind us, beginning anew.

Aug 26, 2009, 12:48pm Permalink
Peter O'Brien

And let's not forget that we are in the Obama era, where children are a punishment.

"I am going to teach them first about values and morals, but if they make a mistake, I don’t want them punished with a baby."

Aug 26, 2009, 12:49pm Permalink
Karen Miconi

Famous Last Words......Children are a BLESSING, any way you look at it. Until you have had a taste of parenthood, can you say anything. Come back in 10 years and then tell me more about parenting, and children. I wish we could all accept each other for what and who we are.. Ugg Bored!!!!! Boo Bye

Aug 26, 2009, 12:56pm Permalink
bud prevost

Jennifer- This is a news and information sight. Would it garner the same attention in Rochester or Buffalo? Probably not, because drug abusing thieves are much more common there. You can't be upset with a young lady doing an assisgnment given to her. Be pissed at your boyfriend.

Aug 26, 2009, 2:23pm Permalink
Peter O'Brien

No Bea, he voted to with hold care from infants that survived an abortion attempt. That is the character of the man who wants to reform your health care.

Aug 26, 2009, 2:40pm Permalink
jennifer runfola

again im not mad that you guys wrote a story im mad that u put his drug use!!! are you guys stupid!! Peter i feel really bad for your girlfriend. I can see why you dont have any kids. My child is not a punishment im very proud of my child. Marc is also proud of his child. instead of sitting on here peter arguing with me and budding your nose into my business go do something with your foolish self

Aug 26, 2009, 4:36pm Permalink
Peter O'Brien

Actually I was at work when I posted all that above. I am no wasting time at a Starbuck's before my soccer game this afternoon. After that I have to ingness go to East Rochester andwork on my choreagraphy for the sword fight I will be doing LAbor Day wekend at Captain Red Beard's Feast in Honeyoye. I do lots.

If you knew as much about me as you think you do, you would know who my fiancee is.

Enjoy your life, if you can, but remember what I have said here in a year and se if circumstances have not changed.

Aug 26, 2009, 4:49pm Permalink
Brittany Baker

It is irresponsible reporting to leave out facts when covering a story. He admitted and mentioned his relationship with drugs of his own free will, and it was relevant to include it in my story.

He regrets his drug use, and I made that clear in the piece.

Aug 26, 2009, 4:53pm Permalink
C D

Aw, come on. This is getting entertaining. I was ready to break out the popcorn, but enough sarcasm.

Jennifer, I'm not going to bother repeating myself after this post so use that grey matter between your skull and process the words I'm about to say, whether you agree with them or not.

Marc openly admitted his drug use in court. That makes it public information and it's information worth knowing. It has nothing to do with slandering or being nosey. It's good reporting, which is why people regularly check this site and, in situations like this, defend it. Because of its quality reporting.

If you don't want your name to show up in a police blotter, then don't do anything illegal. If you want part of your life kept private, don't tell anyone about it. This is basic common sense. Your actions create a repuatation for yourself. For example, I don't like beating around the bush. I'm a very direct and blunt person. If I don't like someone or I have a problem with how something is being run or done, I'll make it clearly known. Because of my reputation, I'm both liked and disliked depending on who you talk to. Fortunately for me, the majority of people that dislike me have worse reputations, but I digress.

On a personal note, there are real injustices where making a stand against a business is warranted. Believe me, I speak from personal experience. Taking offense to a news article is not one of them. Being vengeful in this case just makes you look like a dolt.

P.S. If you want to talk to to me in person, I'll gladly give you my address. You're welcome to stop by, but I already told you I'm not going to repeat myself.

Aug 26, 2009, 7:20pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I just deleted three posts for insults, name calling, etc. I'm closing future comments on this thread.

Aug 26, 2009, 7:28pm Permalink

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