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One of Sullivan County's most talked about and publicized cases is finally going to court.
But it doesn't stem from a murder rap, wrongful death or even a felony charge. It is Ira Cohen, the county's lawyer, getting his day in court to defend himself against a disorderly conduct violation.
The 53-year-old Cohen was arrested last August when he stopped his car in the intersection of Hurd and West Shore roads in Bethel. Police said Cohen stopped the vehicle in protest to authorities blocking the roads leading to the Woodstock site during the anniversary weekend.
Cohen said he stopped at the intersection to speak with somebody and got blocked in by a line of cars that prevented him from moving forward or backward.
"I'm pleased that I'm finally getting the opportunity to state my side," Cohen said. "I've been waiting for the appropriate forum for this. I'm very excited and anxious."
The case is now on its third venue change and is scheduled for trial at 9:30 a.m. June 11 in front of Thompson Town Justice Perry E. Meltzer.
In the months since Cohen was arrested, the case has been transferred out of courts in the towns of Bethel and Fallsburg. Judges in those towns recused themselves because they knew Cohen or his wife and therefore could not be fair and impartial in court proceedings.
Cohen would not say how much he has spent in legal fees for his defense, but insists the case is not a waste to time by him or the district attorney's office, which is prosecuting him.
If Cohen is found guilty of his disorderly conduct violation, the maximum he could get is 15 days in jail and an undetermined fine, according to Joey Drillings, a Sullivan County prosecutor.
District Attorney Stephen Lungren said his office has prosecuted and tried many violation charges. Whether the violation goes to trial is up to the defendant.
"A defendant had the right to say 'Prove me guilty,' " Lundgren said. "That's the law, and when they do that I have no choice but (to prosecute).