A man who forcibly raped a woman in the Village of Phoenix in July of 2005 has been convicted.  Joseph A. Stefanovich was sentenced to 20 years in state  prison by Oswego County Court Judge James Metcalf, for Rape in the First Degree.  Stefanovich will also receive five years’ post-release supervision.  The conviction pertains to an allegation that Stefanovich grabbed the victim from behind, put her in a chokehold, and dragged her into a wooded area where the offense was committed.

Stefanovich was linked to the case due to a DNA sample from a 2006 case.  The DNA was on profile due to a prior sexual offense conviction.

At trial, Stefanovich claimed that his DNA appeared in the rape kit because he had a consensual encounter with the victim on the day of the offense.  He told the jury that another person must have raped her later that same day.

The victim testified that she did not know Stefanovich and had never engaged in consensual intercourse with him.

District Attorney Gregory Oakes, the prosecutor of the case, stated that he wanted to commend the victim for having the “strength to come forward and the courage to testify at trial. Our community is now safe from this predator because of her bravery and fortitude. It was an honor to stand up and fight for her in court.”

WTOP10 Reporter Jihad Yarber discusses with SUNY Oswego Professors and Students what exactly the death of Supreme Court Justice Scalia really means.

By: Tomas Rodriguez

As the pandemic forced students to leave their residence halls coinciding with spring break, approximately 2,500 returned to campus in order to either check-out or retrieve personal belongings. They were allowed to do so stretching between May 8 and the 18.

University Police, along with Facilities and Residence Life and Housing outlined a plan that would help students move out safely by breaking down timeframes. The days were divided into two time slots –9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The number of students on campus averaged 250 per day.

Students had to choose from various options, which Residence Life and Housing then had to approve.

“We take the same precautions that we have since mid-March, including wearing face coverings when in close contact with other persons and disinfecting our patrol vehicles and equipment regularly,” University Police Interim Chief Kevin Velzy said. “As far as a college policy, we will continue to follow the guidelines of the CDC, and our government leaders.”

If the university was to outline a social distancing and face covering policy, students who did not comply would face disciplinary consequences.

“This is an interesting time for the entire world. We are all learning day by day how to adjust and move forward with caution based on the data we have, the research that is going on, and making the best decisions we can for the good of all,” Velzy said. “We hope that everyone, especially our students, are having a safe and productive summer, and we hope to have everyone back on campus as soon as practicable.”

An official statement from President Stanley as to what the final decision for the Fall will look like is expected to come in the following weeks.