Community Benefit for Joey Hill Set for Saturday

A benefit on behalf of Joey Hill, the Utica man accused of robbing the NBT bank on Genesee Street in October, is set to take place this weekend.  Joey Hill is mentally disabled and his family say he's not capable of malicious robbery.  Since it happened, there has been a huge outpouring of community support for joey and his family.

Joey's attorney says the case is ongoing, but couldn't release any more details.  Joey is doing well though, according to his family, who says this has been a difficult time for them.  They now have to deal with legal fees, on top of the emotional distress.    Because of the nature of the case, Joey's mother, Margaret, decided to hire a private attorney.  But, Margaret and her family can't afford those legal fees.   That's why the community has come forth to help them out.  "Joey was thrust into a really bad situation.  He had no knowledge of what he was and what was wrong," says Mark Mazzo "and now as a community we should pull together and try to get him out of this."

Mark Mazzo, along with Councilmen Jim Zecca and Frank Vescera have organized a fundraiser to take place this Saturday to help pay those fees.  Margaret said Joey is absolutely thrilled to attend.

" he's just wonderful, he's like god sent to me, he's honest, he's pure," says Margaret Mims, "and I'm glad there's some love in this world, to help my son."

Joey's family says they're extremely grateful to the community and area leaders for organizing the benefit and sticking behind Joey.

The community benefit/fundraiser is set to take place January 7^th at St. Paul's Leisure Center (1115 West St., Utica), from 1-5pm.  There will be raffles, food, and music.