City man denies sex crime charges

A city man was released from jail after pleading not guilty Tuesday to two sex charges in Jefferson County Court.

Thomas J. Tyska, 44, of 616 Cayuga Ave., was arraigned on charges of first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree attempted criminal sexual act. The charges were contained in a grand jury indictment unsealed Tuesday in court.

He is accused of having nonconsensual sexual contact with a female who was physically helpless during a Sept. 13 incident.

Mr. Tyska was jailed Sunday, but released on his own recognizance after entering his plea. The case was adjourned until July 27.

The court also considered the following cases Tuesday:

Richard C. Atchie, 53, of 22964 Route 11, Watertown, pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. He was then sentenced to two stints in the county weekend work program and ordered to pay $1,595 in fines and surcharges. If Mr. Atchie completes the work detail, he will be given a one-year conditional discharge. His license was revoked.

Mr. Atchie admitted to driving drunk Feb. 3 on Route 11, Pamelia.

David B. Avis, 21, of 619 Wealtha Ave., pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a structure. He admitted firing a round from a 12-gauge shotgun March 28 while about 75 feet away from a neighbor's apartment. Mr. Avis was sentenced to time served.

Anthony Bishop, 38, of 15496 County Route 59, Dexter, was given a three-year conditional discharge after pleading guilty April 27 to driving while ability impaired by drugs.

Mr. Bishop was ordered to participate in the Bridge program and pay $3,020 in fines and surcharges. His license was revoked.

He admitted driving Dec. 28 on Jericho Road, Hounsfield, while impaired by drugs.

Fanci N. Copley, 30, of 1130 State St., made an Alford plea on the charge of driving while ability impaired. She was accused of driving while ability impaired Oct. 7 while on Route 3, Champion. In an Alford plea, the defendant does not admit guilt, but acknowledges enough evidence exists to convince a judge or jury of his or her guilt.

Phillip R. Desormeau Jr., 40, of 31205 Vaadi Road, LaFargeville, pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless endangerment. He was accused of driving his vehicle Feb. 15 toward Rebecca M. Bolton, Adams. Sentencing will be July 28.

Christopher R. Parent, 31, of 45 Main St., Adams, pleaded guilty to DWI and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Sentencing is Aug. 12.

Mr. Parent admitted driving drunk April 11 while on Route 342, LeRay.