February 20, 2023 at 11:53 a.m.
Special prosecutor dismisses several counts on eve of former deputy's trial
According to court records, five counts of misconduct in public office were dismissed on Feb. 13. In addition, on Feb. 16, Kelz filed a motion to dismiss the count alleging false imprisonment.
A jury trial on the remaining charges - five felony counts of stalking, four misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct with use of a dangerous weapon and one count of misdemeanor criminal damage to property - was scheduled to begin Monday morning, Feb. 20, despite Kelz also filing a motion to adjourn the proceedings.
That motion was denied following a 30-minute hearing on Feb. 15.
In his motion, Kelz expressed concern about the complaining witness's ability to testify over a prolonged period of a time due to medical concerns. During the hearing, the complaining witness indicated she did not agree with the prosecutor's motion.
In addition, Oneida County circuit judge Michael Bloom noted it is his practice to allow breaks during testimony.
According to the criminal complaint, Grant is accused of calling a woman as many as 50 to 150 times a day and entering her home on more than one occasion after she asked him to leave. The complaint states police are in possession of a number of audio recordings where Grant purportedly uses "abusive and profane language" and the woman repeatedly tells him to leave.
Police reports also allege the woman recounted occasions where Grant would stand in the doorway and block her from leaving the residence, prompting her to lock herself in a room until he would remove himself.
He also made statements such as "I am the law" and "Ok, I am the (expletive) cops" when she would threaten to call law enforcement, the complaint alleges.
According to the complaint, Grant was in uniform and on duty with the sheriff's office when some of the alleged incidents took place.
He is also accused of damaging property by punching holes in walls and cabinets, the complaint alleges.
In an interview with investigators, Grant allegedly admitted to punching holes but claimed the woman was not present when this took place. He also stated that, as an owner of the property, he believed he could enter the premises and damage his own property.
The incidents in question are alleged to have occurred in early 2019. The parties divorced in 2020.
Grant's employment with the sheriff's office ended in August 2022.
If convicted of the remaining felony counts, he faces 17 1/2 years in prison.
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