Ulster County Heroin Dealer Has Appeal Heard

A man who was found guilty of dealing heroin in Ulster County appealed his conviction.

Eric Coutant sold heroin to an undercover officer on three occasions in the Town of Wawarsing in Dec. 2013, police say. He was arrested two months later and charged with three counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance.

In March 2015, Coutant plead guilty in the Ulster County Court to criminal sale of a controlled substance. The plea agreement also included a waiver of the right to appeal, officials say.

According to the Ulster County District Attorny’s Office, because Coutant had a prior felony conviction, he was sentenced to five years in prison.

On appeal, Coutant challenged the legitimacy of his waiver of appeal and argued his sentence was harsh and excessive.

The Appellate Division, Third Department, found Coutant knowingly, voluntarily and intelligently waived his right to appeal.

On appeal, Coutant’s guilty plea was unanimously affirmed.