Suspected armed robber and rapist pleads not guilty

NORWICH – One of two men accused of breaking into a Sherburne home and raping and robbing a 58-year-old woman appeared in County Court Friday.

Jonathan “Joe” Elwood, 29, Ashcraft Road, Norwich, has been charged predatory sexual assault (Class A-II felony), first degree burglary (Class B felony), first degree rape (Class B felony), first degree robbery (Class B felony), first degree criminal sexual act (Class B felony), first degree criminal use of a firearm (Class B felony) and petit larceny.



Elwood pleaded not guilty to all charges. Elwood’s alleged co-conspirator, Stephen R. Ohl, 24, Cunningham Lawrence Road, Sherburne, is facing similar charges for his role in the December crime.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office said at least one of the two men were armed with a “long gun” firearm during the burglary that took place on State Hwy. 12B in the Town of Sherburne. The attack happened Monday, Dec. 4, at around 11:30 p.m. when the two suspects entered the home through physical force and attacked the owner. The two men allegedly decided to rape the victim, threatening to kill her if she did not cooperate. The suspects stole an unknown amount of cash. The woman was taken to Hamilton Hospital for her injuries and she was eventually released. Police said she has suffered serious psychological trauma as a result of the attack and is receiving treatment.

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