Joyce Mitchell fought through tears and stopped several times reading a prepared statement in court Monday morning before being sentenced. It was a performance Clinton County's DA says he wasn't impressed with.
PLATTSBURGH, NY – Calling it “by far the worst mistake” of her life, Joyce Mitchell tearfully begged for mercy from Clinton County Judge Kevin Ryan before he sentenced her to between two and one third and seven years in state prison Monday.
"Your honor, I would wear an ankle bracelet for the rest of my life if I could just go home to my family," the 51-year-old Mitchell said.
Two months after pleading guilty to promoting prison contraband and criminal facilitation, Mitchell claimed she acted out of fear for her husband Lyle's life when providing convicted killers Richard Matt and David Sweat the hacksaw blade and screwdriver bit the two inmates used to carve their way out of Clinton Correctional Facility in June.
"Ms. Mitchell, I just don't find that explanation credible," said Ryan, who later told Mitchell he believed her husband’s life would have been in no greater danger had she exposed the plot to authorities beforehand.
"I think it's an insult to the family members of the two victims of the homicides of Richard Matt and David Sweat," Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wiley said during a press conference following the sentencing.
In the wake of the more than three-week manhunt that cost the state an estimated $1 million per day and spread fear across the North Country, Wiley said he believes Mitchell deserves more than the maximum sentence of seven years.
"The laws in New York need to be changed, they need to be changed quickly," said Wiley, who added he’d happily meet with state lawmakers, members of the state police and Governor Andrew Cuomo’s administration to discuss potential reforms.
Believing Mitchell was never entirely forthcoming during her interviews with state and local authorities, Wylie accused Mitchell of "making excuses" during her tearful courtroom appearance. The prosecutor said he can't help but feel justice has not been served.
"I would have liked to have seen additional charges, enhanced charges, because of her culpability, her criminal culpability here,” Wiley said. “Our hands are tied."
Wylie acknowledged his office is working to negotiate plea deals with the attorneys of Mr. Sweat and Gene Palmer, the prison guard charged with aiding in the escape. The State is seeking nearly $120,000 in restitution related to the damage of cell walls and pipes; a matter that will be decided after a hearing at a later date.