Man found guilty of burglary

Sentencing slated for June 19th

A man was convicted Monday in Saratoga County Court for a burglary he committed at a co-worker’s home.

Jody C. Hayes, 35, faces up to 25 years in state prison after a jury found him guilty of first-degree burglary, a class B violent felony, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a class A misdemeanors.

The verdict came after a nearly six-day trial when jurors heard four days of testimony from six witnesses.

According to court documents, on June 7, 2016, Hayes went to a co-worker’s home in the town of Malta with a knife.

He rang the victim’s doorbell and hid to one side so the victim could not see who was outside her door.

After she went to her front door and unlocked it, Hayes pushed his way into her home and pointed the large steak knife at the victim in a threatening manner.

The victim, who is significantly shorter and smaller than Hayes, was able to talk the defendant down from his aggressive posture and eventually get him to leave her home.

Once safely away from him, the victim went to the New York State Police barracks in Malta and notify them of what had happened.

Saratoga County Assistant District Attorney Jennifer L. Buckley, who prosecuted the case, commended the strength and stamina of the victim throughout this ordeal.

“She testified in detail for over a day on the witness stand about the defendant’s actions toward her that led to the crime,” Buckley said.

Hayes and defendant worked at the same business but did not have a personal relationship. Without any encouragement from the victim, Buckley said Hayes gathered personal information about the victim, including where she lived.

“He went to her home uninvited, unannounced and unwanted,” Buckley said.

“It is fortunate she was able to talk her way out of

the dangerous situation he presented when the defendant burst into her home with a knife in his hand.”

District Attorney Karen Heggen said the victim’s “cool demeanor” and “quick thinking” prevented her from being injured.

“Things could have ended much differently if the victim had not been as strong and smart as she is,” Heggen said.

Hayes was sent to the Saratoga County Jail until sentencing, which is scheduled to take place June 19.