Trenton Town Supervisor pleads not guilty to child sex abuse

Trenton (WSYR-TV) -- The Trenton Town Supervisor accused of sexually abusing a young child appeared in County Court on Monday.

Trenton Town Supervisor Mark Scheidelman has pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing a child under the age of 11.

Despite the charge against him, Scheidelman is still the acting town supervisor.

Scheidelman was arraigned on one count of sexual abuse in the first degree in Oneida County.

The prosecution has offered Scheidelman a plea deal, but no specifics have been released. Scheidelman and his attorney now have two weeks to consider the offer.

Defense Attorney George Anney says he’s confident Scheidelman will be found innocent if his goes to trial.

"I feel confident that there’s absolutely nothing out there except this charge, and this charge is based upon my perception of the evidence at this time, the weakest evidence I have seen in many cases," Anney said.

Anney adds that he doesn’t believe any other charges will emerge.

Scheidelman is due back in court on April 1 to say whether he will accept or reject the plea offer.