ONEONTA - New York State Police at Oneonta arrested Pierce B. Tobin, 31, of Oneonta, for second degree assault, a Class D felony, following a violent incident at the Homer Folks Facility.

On May 9, at approximately 11:15 a.m., NY Troopers, SUNY University Police, and the Oneonta Town Constable responded to a report of an assault, dispatched through the Otsego 911 Center. 

An investigation revealed that Tobin became aggressive after being informed by a staff member that he was not permitted to smoke. Tobin punched the staff member in the face, causing visible bruising, and then bit off a portion of the victim’s ear. The victim was treated at A.O. Fox Hospital. 

Tobin was taken into custody at the scene and subsequently arraigned at Otsego County Central Arraignment. He was remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash/credit or $10,000 bond. 

His next court appearance is scheduled for May 15, 2025.The investigation remains ongoing.

- Information from the NY State Police