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December 2, 2008

Pharmacy robber gets 20 years

<a href="mailto:lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com">By LOHR McKINSTRY</a>

ELIZABETHTOWN — The former Moriah man who admitted he held up the Hometown Pharmacy in Mineville is headed to state prison for 20 years.

He must also pay more than $12,000 in restitution.

Joseph J. Budwick, 36, of Elizabethtown appeared in Essex County Court Tuesday morning and was sentenced by Judge Richard Meyer to serve 20 years for felony first-degree robbery of the Hometown Pharmacy on April 5.

Budwick was sentenced to another two to four years for felony third-degree attempted burglary for breaking into the Willsboro Pharmacy on March 3.

The sentences are to be served concurrently. When Budwick gets out, he must serve five years of post-release supervision.



STOLE DRUGS

Willsboro Pharmacy owner James Bowen made a victim-impact statement to the court in which he described the devastating economic impact to small pharmacies when such crimes are committed.

At Willsboro, Budwick took more than 3,000 narcotic pills and tablets and 25 narcotic Fentanyl patches. The potential street value of the drugs exceeded $6,000.

He took bottles of codeine tablets and other narcotics at Hometown Pharmacy, attempting to swallow them even as neighbors tackled and subdued him after he ran out.

Meyer ordered Budwick to pay $7,900 in restitution to Willsboro Pharmacy and $4,000 to Hometown Pharmacy. He was also assessed surcharges and fees and must submit a DNA sample for the state database.

Orders of protection were issued for Bowen and Hometown Pharmacy owners Robert and Carol Corbo.



ATTACK AND CAPTURE

Police said Budwick entered Hometown Pharmacy at closing time and struck Mrs. Corbo in the face and put a plastic bag over the head of her pharmacist husband. The Corbos were treated afterward at Elizabethtown Community Hospital.

Mrs. Corbo got to the door and yelled for help. William Orr, who was affiliated with the nearby Didder’s Tavern, ran across the street and grabbed Budwick as he escaped out the back of the drugstore. Orr was assisted by two other men, Ward Hanchett and Michael McBride.

The three knocked the pills away from Budwick and held him down until police arrived.



‘CAREER CRIMINAL’

Essex County District Attorney Julie Garcia said Budwick was sentenced as a second-felony offender, which resulted in a harsher sentence.

“We are satisfied with the 20-year sentence. The New York State Police BCI did an excellent job linking the Willsboro Pharmacy burglary to the Hometown Pharmacy robbery. We were able to close both cases, taking a career criminal off the streets for the next 20 years.”

Bureau of Criminal Investigation Capt. Robert LaFountain said the case is an example of criminal behavior associated with narcotics addiction.

“Mr. Budwick’s sentence will serve as justice for those who have been victimized by him and ensure he’s not a threat to public safety.”



SISTER PLEADS

Budwick’s sister, Tammy A. Grey, 40, of Witherbee, who allegedly drove him to Hometown Pharmacy, had been charged with misdemeanor fourth-degree criminal facilitation but accepted a plea offer from the District Attorney’s Office.

Grey recently appeared in Moriah Town Justice Court and received an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal. If she stays out of trouble for six months, the charge will be dismissed.

Grey denied that she knew her brother planned to hold up the drugstore.



COURAGE CITED

Garcia praised the Corbos and the bystanders who helped them.

“We regret the Corbos had to endure this attack. They exhibited a great deal of courage the day of the robbery and throughout the prosecution of this case.

“Our pharmacists provide a much-needed service to our citizens, and they should not have to look over their shoulder when they go to work each day.

“We consider the Corbos and the men who helped them that day our hometown heroes.”



E-mail Lohr McKinstry at:

lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com

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