Saratoga Co.: 6-time felon gets max for violating order of protection

Saratoga Co.: 6-time felon gets max for violating order of protection Sarah Darmanjian WNYT BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. (WNYT)- A man received the maximum prison term after a jury convicted him of violating a court order and harassing a woman in Saratoga County. Michael Bertone was sentenced to 4 to 8 years in New York state prison after a Saratoga County Court jury convicted him in August, according to Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby, who said the sentence was the maximum allowed after the trial convictions. “The maximum sentence is warranted, and I am grateful that the Court recognized the seriousness of this defendant’s conduct and the need to protect our community. He will now be held accountable, and our community will be safer with him behind bars,” Eby said. Bertone had threatened the victim by phone, and she got an order of protection from the court, Eby said. After the order of protection was granted, Bertone went to the victim’s home and harassed her, according to Eby. “The victim in this case demonstrated exceptional strength and courage. Her powerful victim impact statement undoubtedly helped guide the Court to impose the maximum sentence,” Eby said. Eby also praised Assistant District Attorney Emily Williams, who prosecuted her first felony jury trial. He said the case also drew support from Saratoga Springs police and members of his office. “I could not be prouder of ADA Emily Williams for securing this guilty verdict in her first felony jury trial. I am particularly grateful that she has chosen to serve the victims of crime in her home county,” Eby said. Follow NewsChannel 13 online and on air for updates on other Capital Region stories.