CONVICTION IN RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT AND RESISTING ARREST CASE

DELHI - Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that Arthur Cotten 46, of Sidney, N.Y. pleaded guilty to Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, a Class D Felony in Delaware County Court on March 17.  

Cotten appeared in Delaware County Court on March 17, 2026, for a conference on his pending indictment. At the conclusion of the conference, the defendant pleaded guilty to Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, a Class D Felony. The defendant also pleaded guilty to Resisting Arrest, a Class A Misdemeanor. Prior to pleading guilty, the defendant admitted that on July 19, 2025, while in the Village of Sidney, he attempted to light himself on fire with gasoline. The defendant further admitted that he was standing in a small garage and there was a propane tank in close proximity to him and the gasoline.   

This case arose when two Sidney Police Officers, Royce Terry and Jenna Nordberg, responded to a 911 call for a male suspect acting violently and destroying property.  Officers Terry and Nordberg quickly located the defendant in the garage and observed him pouring gasoline from a 5 gallon can while also holding a cigarette lighter. The defendant ignited the gasoline, which burst into flames. Both officers acted swiftly and managed to get the fire extinguished without any person or property being seriously harmed.  Officers Terry and Nordberg were later awarded a Police Medal Citation in recognition of their heroism during that dangerous situation.   

After pleading guilty, the case was adjourned until April 28, 2026, for sentencing. 

District Attorney Shawn Smith commended Sidney Village Police Officers Royce Terry and Jenna Nordberg for their courage and bravery. “I am very proud of the work done by these two police officers. Police Officers routinely rush into dangerous situations while others are running away. They put their own lives at risk to protect others.  We appreciate all they do for our communities.”  

Indictments and Criminal Complaints are merely accusations. Every defendant is considered innocent unless proven guilty.