Things are beginning to get back to normal with Broome County courts following the delays and operational changes caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

District attorney Michael Korchak said "we are catching up" but "it's a slow process because anyone who wants a jury trial is entitled to one."

But Korchak said that means a sometimes lengthy wait for those who have been accused of a crime. He said "unfortunately, it's get to the back of the line." It's a case of "we just don't have enough days in the year to try all these cases."

Korchak said "it's been a very, very busy summer" for his office. In a WNBF News interview, he said "it doesn't slow down for local law enforcement, so therefore things don't slow down for the district attorney's office."

Broome County District Attorney Michael Korchak at his office on December 17, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Broome County District Attorney Michael Korchak at his office on December 17, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

Korchak noted there had been two high profile jury trials in Broome County court in recent weeks.

In July, Lance Johnson of Binghamton was convicted of murder and attempted murder charges in connection with a August 2020 shooting incident in the town of Conklin. 38-year-old Alison Salisbury of Binghamton died and 42-year-old Shannon Brooks of Conklin was wounded during a dispute at an apartment complex.

In August, Jason Johnson of Nineveh was convicted of attempted murder of a police officer. He had been arrested after state trooper Rebecca Seager was shot in the hip in the town of Colesville in June 2021.

Korchak said area law enforcement agencies do "a great job of tracking down leads and solving crimes."

The DA said "they're doing their best but sometimes we need the public's help as well."

WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM logo
Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

25 True Crime Locations: What Do They Look Like Today?

Below, find out where 25 of the most infamous crimes in history took place — and what the locations are used for today. (If they've been left standing.)

How Many in America: From Guns to Ghost Towns

Can you take a guess as to how many public schools are in the U.S.? Do you have any clue as to how many billionaires might be residing there? Read on to find out—and learn a thing or two about each of these selection’s cultural significance and legacy along the way.

KEEP READING: Scroll to see what the big headlines were the year you were born

 

More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM