Martial arts instructor gets plea deal

Tommy Merritt, 38, of Fulton admitted to the judge that he sexually molested two boys on two separate instances. He also confessed to having full knowledge of the boys’ ages, according to NewsChannel 9.

Both of them were 14 at the time of the respective incidents in 2005 and 2007. Oswego County Assistant District Attorney Gregory Oakes said he pursued a plea deal with Merritt in order to satisfy both families. While one of the victims’ families wanted to seek a harsher sentence, “the other parents said they would prefer the matter to be resolved by plea,” said Oakes.

“They have a minor child who is still here, who would have to stand up in court and would have to face family, friends and the community. That parent said for the sake of their minor child, they'd rather the case be resolved," he said.

Merritt could be serving up to three years in prison. He will be sentenced on Dec. 21.