Judge denies shortened sentence

SCHUYLER COUNTY--On Aug. 13, Hon. Gerald A. Keene, Acting Schuyler County Judge, denied Chad Mack's motion for a resentence of his 25 years to life punishment, dating back to a 2002 murder. Mack was looking for the change so he could appear before a parole board. Judge Keene stated the original sentence imposed was not harsh or excessive and was justified considering the conduct of the defendant. Mack will continue to serve his original sentence of 25 years to life.
Mack, convicted of the 2002 murder of Teresa Ford, filed a motion with the Schuyler County Court on July 17, seeking a reduction of the sentence he received in June, 2004. Mack and his co-defendant, Elizabeth Kettle, on the evening of Aug. 17, 2002, went to the home of Teresa Ford in the town of Orange, Schuyler County, for the purpose of robbing her. Mack and a friend had previously been to Ford's home for a painting job. The defendant's friend and co-defendant, Kettle, needed money for a DWI lawyer the next morning, so Mack suggested that they go to Ford's home and rob her. Upon arriving at the Ford home, Mack provided Kettle with a loaded pistol and sent her to the front door. Kettle gained entrance to the Ford home under the ruse that her car had broken down and she needed help. Once inside, Kettle pointed the gun at Teresa Ford and demanded money. Kettle then shot and killed Ford.
On Oct. 31, 2002, Mack was indicted for murder in the second degree, robbery in the first degree (two counts), burglary in the first degree (two counts) and conspiracy in the fourth degree. On May 28, 2003, Mack pled guilty to murder in the second degree and robbery in the first degree and was sentenced on June 28, 2004, to the maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
When Mack filed the motion asking for a lesser sentence, District Attorney Joseph Fazzary responded, arguing that given the horrendous crime that was committed, the defendant's role in that crime, and the life that he and Kettle needlessly took, that the 17 years that Mack has currently served is not nearly enough for his participation in this crime. Fazzary argued that Mack's request for a sentence reduction should be denied.