Walton man pleads guilty to hate crime

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DELHI - Donald A. Kern, 34, Walton, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree aggravated harassment as part of a negotiated plea and sentence agreement in Delaware County Court, Monday, March 25.

Kern was charged with two counts of second-degree aggravated harassment, accused of harassing another based on race or color, on May 28, 2023 in the village of Sidney. Kern pleaded guilty to one of the charges in exchange for a promised sentenced of six months in jail.

In February, District Attorney Shawn Smith offered Kern a plea deal of 364 days in jail or five years probation, which Kern refused.

Kern was released on recognizance awaiting sentencing scheduled for April 29.