Changes afoot in the DA's office: Larkin out, Ferrarese in

NORWICH – At the start of the year, the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office will say farewell to one of its veteran prosecutors and welcome a new one.

For the last 16 years, Assistant District Attorney Robert M. Larkin has represented the people of Chenango County. He’s decided to step down from the office Jan. 1 to pursue his own practice.

Larkin’s primary duties covered the southern part of the county, including Afton, Bainbridge, Greene, Coventry and Smithville.

According to court documents from Jan. 1 to Nov. 6, Larkin has handled 355 traffic tickets, 384 misdemeanors (61 of those involved drunk driving) and 60 felony-level crimes, including 17 burglaries.

“I’m very thankful for all the cooperation, judges, court personnel, local police ... everyone has been great to work with and our success has always been our team approach to solving issues,” said Larkin.

District Attorney Joseph McBride said, “I want to thank Bob Larkin for all his efforts in the DA’s Office. He has been a tremendous asset to not just us, but the community. He was a public defender prior to working here, he’s the lawyer for a few town and village municipalities and has been very involved in his own community.”

Larkin said he intends to maintain his private law practice in Greene. He’s been a practicing attorney since 1973.

Although the retiring ADA said he’s enjoyed his time with the office, he also said the workload has increased steadily over the years.

“Local courts are busier with Internet-based crimes, adding a new layer to things and increasing the sex offense related crimes. There is a more intensive focus on DWI and alcohol offenders and even more emphasis on animal cruelty matters. We’ve also seen a rise in misdemeanor traffic offenses, people driving without insurance or a license – those kinds of things,” said Larkin.

Larkin spoke highly of the lawyer set to fill his position in 2010, Norwich attorney Michael Ferrarese.