CHENANGO COUNTY -A Chenango County grand jury has indicted four defendants on felony and misdemeanor charges in separate cases involving alleged drug possession, weapon possession, a police pursuit and crimes against a child, according to the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office.

The grand jury met in March and handed down the indictments on April 1.

Brandon M. Birch was indicted on first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle (class E felony), driving while ability impaired by drugs (misdemeanor), third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle (misdemeanor), seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (misdemeanor), and reckless driving (misdemeanor).

Prosecutors allege on Dec. 26, 2025, in the Town of Afton, Birch operated a gray Chevrolet on State Highway 7 while his driving privileges were suspended or revoked, was impaired by fentanyl, fled NY Troopers attempting a traffic stop, possessed fentanyl, and drove recklessly, including at 90 mph in a 55 mph zone.

Lance A. Madsen was indicted on second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (class A-II felony), third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (class B felony), third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (class D felony), third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle (misdemeanor), and two counts of second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia (misdemeanors).

The indictment alleges Madsen, on Sept. 17, 2025, in the City of Norwich, possessed about 2.17 ounces of methamphetamine with intent to sell, along with a scale, baggies and cash.

He was also charged with possessing a switchblade knife and allegedly fleeing Norwich police on a Honda motorcycle while speeding, passing vehicles in oncoming traffic and disobeying traffic signals. The court record also noted Madsen was previously convicted in Chenango County Court on Oct. 13, 2023, of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Kimberly E. Hart was indicted on first-degree disseminating indecent material to a minor (class D felony), promoting a sexual performance by a child (class D felony), third-degree sexual abuse (misdemeanor) and endangering the welfare of a child (misdemeanor). Prosecutors allege Hart, during December 2025 in the Town of Norwich, used electronic communications involving a 16-year-old, produced nude images of the minor, subjected the minor to sexual contact, and acted in a manner injurious to the child’s welfare.

Ryan C. Barnhart was indicted on third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (class B felony) and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (misdemeanor).

According to the indictment, Barnhart, on Feb. 27, 2026, in the City of Norwich, possessed fentanyl with intent to sell and also possessed methamphetamine.

All charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The defendants are expected to appear before Chenango County Court for arraignments and further legal proceedings in the coming weeks.