Man who shot judge gets five-year prison term

LOWVILLE — A Watertown man charged with attempting to rob Jefferson County Surrogate Court Judge Peter A. Schwerzmann with a pellet gun more than a year ago was sentenced Friday to five years in state prison.

Danny C. Thompson, 20, of 202 S. Rutland St., also was sentenced to five years of post-release parole supervision, joint restitution of $4,989.44 and $375 in court fees on charges of first-degree attempted robbery and three counts of third-degree burglary, to which he pleaded guilty Oct. 23. He was allowed to enter Alford pleas on the three burglary charges, meaning he accepted the pleas without admitting guilt.

Mr. Thompson's accomplice, James G. Lawson III, 20, also of 202 S. Rutland St., was sentenced in September to five years in state prison on charges of first-degree attempted robbery and second-degree criminal trespass.

On Dec. 18, 2008, the pair allegedly approached Judge Schwerzmann and his wife, Amy, and demanded his wallet in the parking lot at Salmon Run Mall, town of Watertown. Judge Schwerzmann reached for his wallet, but then stopped, at which point he was shot in the head and hands with a pellet gun, suffering puncture wounds.

It further was alleged the pair then went by car to the south side of Watertown and approached Christopher J. Jank, who was walking his dog at Schley Drive and Sherman Street.

The men allegedly displayed what appeared to be a handgun and demanded Mr. Jank's wallet, then drove off when Mr. Jank said he was carrying only his keys.

Mr. Lawson and Mr. Thompson also were charged with several alleged break-ins, including a town of LeRay residence in September 2008 and several businesses in the towns of LeRay and Pamelia in January.

The cases were heard in Lewis County before Judge Charles C. Merrell because Jefferson County Judge Kim H. Martusewicz recused himself.