JOHNSTOWN — A Gloversville motorist convicted of intentionally driving into another vehicle with children inside was sentenced Thursday in Fulton County Court to five years probation.
Gina L. Walter, 37, of 23 W. Eighth Ave., Gloversville, was sentenced by Sira, as part of a plea arrangement. The defendant was also sentenced to $150 in restitution and a stay-away order for her victims was issued in her case.
The sentence was based on Walter’s May 2 guilty plea to one felony count of third-degree criminal mischief.
Gloversville police arrested Walter on Dec. 11. She was accused of intentionally driving into another vehicle with children inside. She was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, endangering the welfare of a child and reckless driving.
Officers said Walter followed the victim’s vehicle throughout the city while the person was driving with two children. Walter followed the victim to the parking lot of Gloversville City Hall, where she drove her car into the front end of the victim’s car, causing damage.
In other recent County Court cases:
∫ Bettina M. Etherton, 35, of 7 Allen St., Gloversville, was sentenced Thursday to five years probation and participation in county Drug Court, as part of a plea arrangement.
In addition to Drug Court and probation, she must make $4,221 restitution to the county. She was also permanently disqualified for benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Etherton’s sentence was based on her May 3 guilty plea to one felony count of fourth-degree welfare fraud.
She was charged by Fulton County sheriff’s deputies Nov. 16 with third-degree grand larceny, third-degree welfare fraud, and first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, all felonies.
Deputies said Etherton allegedly filed multiple false applications with the county Department of Social Services to collect $4,221 in welfare benefits she wasn’t entitled to.
∫ Guy Ligon, 28, of County Highway 120, Dolgeville, was sentenced Thursday by County Court Judge Polly A. Hoye to 2 1/2 to five years in state prison, as a second felony offender.
He pleaded guilty April 25 to one count of third-degree burglary, as part of a plea arrangement. In addition to prison time, a stay-away order was issued for his victim and he must make $286 in restitution.
Ligon was arrested Dec. 1.
∫ Robert Warner Jr., 21, of Prospect Avenue, Gloversville, was sentenced Hoye to 1 1/3 to four years in state prison. He was also sentenced to restitution and an order of protection was issued for his victim, as part of a plea arrangement.
The sentence was based on the defendant’s July 5 guilty plea to one count of fourth-degree grand larceny.
Warner was arrested Dec. 11.
∫ Michelle L. Kalinowski, 49, of North Hollywood Avenue, Gloversville, pleaded guilty Wednesday before Hoye to first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, as part of a plea arrangement.
Sentencing was adjourned until a later date, but she is expected to receive five years probation, $1,500 in fines and her driver’s license was revoked. She must also install an interlock device on her vehicle.
Kalinowski was arrested at about 8 p.m. Feb. 22 by Fulton County Sheriff’s deputies on Route 30 in the town of Perth. She was charged with first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, DWI, refusal to take a breath test, and consumption of alcoholic beverages inside a motor vehicle.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at [email protected]
