Sheriff charges man with witness tampering

Sheriff charges man with witness tampering

    BENTON—The Yates County Sheriff’s Office has charged Richard A. Regan II, 67, 10558 E. Lake Road, Hammondsport, with fourth degree witness tampering in his son’s trial.
    According to authorities, Regan was at the Benton town court during jury selection for his son’s trial April 6, 2011. The sheriff’s report said the son, Richard A. Regan III, was on trial for allegedly driving while intoxicated (DWI) in March of last year.
    Senior Investigator Mike Christensen said the elder Regan allegedly discussed the case with a prosecution witness and requested him to change his statement. However, the trial was never held April 6. The report said the court was unable to select enough jurors, so the charges are still pending and the trial was scheduled to be held at a later date.
    Christensen said Regan’s conversation was reported to the Yates County District Attorney’s Office, who requested the sheriff’s office investigate. He added that investigation resulted in the elder Regan being charged. The report said he was issued a ticket to appear in Benton court at a later date.
    According to the sheriff’s report at the time, the younger Regan was pulled over March 31, 2010 on Pre-Emption Road. Authorities said the sheriff’s department received a complaint about sparks coming from beneath the vehicle. The report said Regan was found to be intoxicated, arraigned in Milo Town Court, and remanded to Yates County Jail.
    Regan III is a former Geneva police officer.