New Era man charged with CSC, extortion to get new attorney.

Richard Uhl

New Era man charged with CSC, extortion to get new attorney.

#MasonCountyCrime

By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 35-year-old New Era man who faces up to life in prison for two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) and one count of extortion was granted a motion in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Oct. 3, to get a new a court-appointed attorney.

Richard Edward Uhl, of 3104 W. Tonawanda Trail, was arrested on a warrant last July alleging that he engaged in sexual relations with a child under the age of 13 over a two-year period, according to his court file.

The investigation began June 24 in the Village of Custer, Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole said previously.

Uhl, who is lodged in the Mason County Jail on a $100,000 cash/surety bond, told Judge Susan K. Sniegowski that he feels there is a breakdown in the attorney-client relationship.

“I think he’s unhappy with the plea deal,” said his now-former attorney David Glancy.

Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola offered a plea agreement in which Uhl could plead guilty to one count of first-degree CSC and one count of extortion. In exchange, he would serve a 25-year mandatory minimum prison sentence with a maximum of 60 years.

First-degree CSC is punishable by up to life in prison, and extortion carries a 20-year maximum.

“I will allow Mr. Glancy to withdraw,” Sniegowski said, so Uhl can appoint a new attorney. The judge warned Uhl that he can’t expect to appoint another attorney after this. “We do not have an endless list,” she said.

Uhl’s trial is set for Nov. 27-29.

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Tags: 51st Circuit Court, circuit court, court news