A Savannah man who was originally charged with murder in connection with the 2024 overdose death of a Farmington woman has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge in Ontario County Court.
Ontario County District Attorney Jason MacBride announced that Michael Wade pleaded guilty before Judge Frederick Reed to criminally negligent homicide.
Wade had initially been charged with second-degree murder, robbery, burglary, grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and tampering with physical evidence. Prosecutors alleged Wade and two co-defendants entered a building and stole property belonging to Victoria Vitale, including a vehicle and credit cards.
According to MacBride, Wade admitted that he and the victim consumed drugs together for approximately 24 hours. Prosecutors said Wade and the co-defendants provided Vitale with fentanyl while she was already impaired by other drugs. The combination resulted in her death from a fentanyl overdose in February 2024.
As part of the plea agreement, Wade was promised a sentence of two to four years in state prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 10.
MacBride said Vitale’s family was consulted about the plea offer and was present in court when the plea was entered.
Two other individuals were charged in connection with the case. Jamie Thompson of Geneva pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and was sentenced to one year of probation. The case against Shakeitha Scott of Rochester remains pending.
Wade is currently jailed in Seneca County on unrelated charges.
