CANTON - A St. Lawrence County Court jury handed down two guilty verdicts Friday morning against a Gouverneur man accused of forcing his way into a residence and choking a man once inside. Scott Briggs, 45, of 34 Johnstown Road, was on trial on charges of second-degree burglary and criminal obstruction of breathing. The charges stemmed from Mr. Briggs forcing a door open and entering the home of Stephanie Sawyer, 42 Smith St., in February 2011 and choking Robert Rathbun once inside.

Mr. Briggs was sent to the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility pending sentencing Oct. 22. He is represented by attorney Charles B. Nash.

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