Michael Stevens to get new attorney

Judge Patrick O’Sullivan assigns Richard Marris to represent Michael Stevens

WAMPSVILLE >> Michael Stevens, accused of stabbing his girlfriend multiple times earlier this year, is getting a new defense attorney.

Stevens’ current attorney, William Roth, requested to be relieved from his duties in defending the Oneida City man. District Attorney Bill Gabor, who did not oppose the request, said Roth raised “ethical concerns” about his role as counsel and wanted to ensure his client had “proper and complete representation.”

Judge Patrick O’Sullivan assigned Richard Marris to represent Stevens. Marris also represented Tomas Zavalidroga earlier this year.

Stevens, 36, is accused of stabbing his girlfriend more than 14 times at his North Lake Street home on July 15, as well as robbing another man.

While behind bars, police say he tried to get other people to kill both his girlfriend and the robbery victim.

Stevens recently rejected a plea deal in the stabbing case.

The grand jury has indicted Stevens on the

following counts:

• Second- degree attempted murder, a class B felony;

•First-degree assault, a class B felony;

•Second-degree assault, a class D felony;

•Third-degree robbery, a class D felony;

•Third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a class D felony;

•Second- degree crimi- nal solicitation, a class D felony;

•Three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor;

•Obstruction of breathing, a class A misdemeanor;

•Second-degree harassment.

JOHN BREWER - ONEIDA DAILY DISPATCH Michael Stevens stands with his now-former attorney, William Roth, during a plea hearing on Aug. 15, 2016, in which the Oneida City man rejected the deal offered by the DA.