Cooperstown News Bureau

COOPERSTOWN - Edward Warner pleaded guilty in Otsego County Court on Monday to second-degree vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated.

Warner, 38, of 180 County Route 26 in Cooperstown was at the wheel during a fatal accident July 10 in Milford.

Jessica Bass, 23, died as a result of injuries sustained when Warner's car hit a bridge abutment on Chlorinator Road.

Warner is scheduled to be sentenced April 14 by Otsego County Judge Michael Coccoma.

The maximum sentence for second-degree vehicular manslaughter is six years in prison; the minimum is one-and-a-half years.

Warner, who had been indicted on charges of second-degree manslaughter, second-degree vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and two counts of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, remains free on $5,000 bail, according to court records.

According to the Otsego County Sheriff's Department, Warner's blood alcohol level that evening was .23 percent, more than twice the legal limit.

Three months ago, Jessica Bass's grandparents asked that Warner be tried in court.

At the time, her step-grandfather, Stephen Estes of Oneonta, said, "We're not seeking vengeance, but I think Mr. Warner has to pay for what he has done."

Estes declined comment Tuesday.

Warner was represented by Oneonta lawyer Richard Rothermel, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

In December, Rothermel said Warner was not speeding or driving recklessly and that the bridge and road conditions were horrendous on the evening of the accident.

Also heard in Otsego County Court on Monday:

• Christopher J. Little, 41, of Otego pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, a check for $125 from the Better Beginnings Daycare Center in Oneonta.

According to court records, the incident occurred Oct. 25. Little is scheduled to be sentenced April 28.

• Christopher Barletta, 47, of Oneonta was sentenced Monday to two-to-six years in prison for fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance — cocaine.

Barletta had pleaded guilty Jan. 6. He also was assessed a $210 surcharge and crime victims' fee.

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Tom Grace can be reached at grace@ascent.net or (607) 547-2431.