Defendant: Gregory Smith (DOB 12/28/70)

Oct. 20, 2020 -- Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. announced the end of the first criminal jury trial held in Westchester County since the coronavirus and its health precautions caused the court system to go on pause, halting jury trials in the state.

This first trial, People v. Gregory Smith, began Friday before County Court Judge Susan Cacace and ended late this afternoon with a guilty verdict on the following:

  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony
  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a misdemeanor
  • Two counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, a misdemeanor

According to Scarpino, the courtroom was altered to allow appropriate distancing among jurors, using the jury box and gallery seating. The prosecution and defense tables were turned sideways so the lawyers would not have their backs to any of the jurors. No visitors were allowed in the courtroom during the trial. Those who wished to follow the trial were seated in another room where it could be viewed via live video stream on a large monitor. All attendees were required to wear masks inside the courtroom, as well as in the Courthouse. There were no disruptions for health reasons during the trial.

Smith faces up to 9 years state prison when he is sentenced on Jan.19, 2021.

In compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 3.6, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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