Pellet gun robber guilty on 4 counts

LOWVILLE — A second Watertown man accused of attempting to rob Jefferson County Surrogate Court Judge Peter A. Schwerzmann with a pellet gun has pleaded guilty.

Danny C. Thompson, 19, of 202 S. Rutland St., pleaded guilty Friday in Lewis County Court to first-degree attempted robbery and three counts of third-degree burglary. Sentencing was set for Jan. 15.

Mr. Lawson was allowed to enter Alford pleas on the three burglary charges, meaning he accepted the pleas without admitting guilt.

The pleas also satisfied five counts each of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and petit larceny, two counts each of second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal mischief and single counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, first-degree attempted robbery, fourth-degree grand larceny and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.

Mr. Lawson's accomplice, James G. Lawson III, 19, also of 202 S. Rutland St., was sentenced in September to five years in state prison on charges of first-degree attempted robbery and second-degree criminal trespass.

On Dec. 18, the pair allegedly approached Judge Schwerzmann and his wife, Amy, and demanded his wallet in the parking lot at Salmon Run Mall, Watertown. Judge Schwerzmann reached for his wallet, but then stopped, at which point he was shot in the head and hands with a pellet gun, suffering puncture wounds.

It further was alleged the pair then went by car to the south side of Watertown and approached Christopher J. Jank, who was walking his dog at Schley Drive and Sherman Street. The men allegedly displayed what appeared to be a handgun and demanded Mr. Jank's wallet, then drove off when Mr. Jank said he was carrying only his keys.

Mr. Lawson and Mr. Thompson also were charged with several alleged break-ins, including a town of LeRay residence in September 2008 and several businesses in the towns of LeRay and Pamelia in January.

The cases have been heard in Lewis County because Jefferson County Judge Kim H. Martusewicz recused himself.