Local Man Who Tried To Kill Witness Jailed
A local man who robbed someone and later tried to kill a witness is going to spend close to 20 years in jail.
In Sullivan County Court, 25-year-old Richard Drayton of Monticello was sentenced to an aggregate total of 17 years in state prison and 5 years post release supervision for robbery, solicitation and drug sales.
A jury trial convicted Drayton in December 2016 for robbery and conspiracy. According to court documents, he worked with others to rob someone inside inside the Shaker Heights housing complex in the Village of Monticello.
During the robbery, Drayton displayed what appeared to be a firearm, threatening the victim, while his brother Frank Drayton, went through the victim's pocket and stole cash and a cell phone.
Frank Drayton was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in the robbery.
According to the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office, from jail, prior to his jury trial, Richard Dayton sent a letter to another man requesting that he kill a witness to the robbery.
In addition, Drayton previously pleaded guilty to selling heroin and cocaine to undercover officers in 2014. He was out on bail when the robbery was committed.