Hypothermia caused death of woman, 48
MIDDLEBURGH _ An autopsy revealed a Middleburgh woman died of hypothermia caused by exposure, a news release from the Schoharie County sheriff said.
The body of Margaret M. Ortiz, 48, was found outside her house at about 2 p.m. Thursday, deputies said. Dr. Michael Sikirica performed the autopsy at Albany Medical Center on Saturday. Weather on Thursday was windy and extremely cold.
Deputies said Ortiz's death appeared accidental, but the case remains open, and investigators are awaiting toxicology tests to determine if alcohol was a factor.
County Coroner Matthew Coltrain responded to the scene, removed the body and ordered the autopsy.
Man charged in med thefts
MARYLAND _ A 27-year-old man was arrested Sunday for allegedly stealing prescription medication from a town of Maryland home late last month.
Charles Joseph Meunier III, of Maryland, was charged with second-degree burglary, a felony, and petit larceny, a misdemeanor.
Meunier entered a residence on state Route 7 on the night of Dec. 27 and took several bottles of prescription medication, according to a news release from Otsego deputies.
Meunier was interviewed Sunday at the sheriff's department and then charged, deputies said.
He was arraigned in Maryland Town Court and sent to Otsego County jail on $1,000 bail. He is to reappear in court Jan. 13.
The type and quantity of the drugs was not released by deputies.
Luncheon today
ONEONTA _ The Otsego County Chamber's anual Local "State-of the State" legislative luncheon will be today at the Holiday Inn on Oneonta's Southside. Presentations will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m.
