County Executive’s Son Receives Sentencing

BALLSTON SPA – In Saratoga County Court, Schenectady County Court Judge Karen Drago last week sentenced Spencer P. Hellwig IV, 18, son of county Administrator Spencer Hellwig III, to five years of probation and drug court for damaging The Paddocks of Wilton Clubhouse during a booze party in violation of probation from a prior vandalism spree, authorities said. Saratoga County law enforcement officials had recused themselves from the case because they work with Spencer Hellwig III. Police initially charged the younger Hellwig last spring with third-degree criminal mischief, a felony, for shooting numerous Saratoga County homes with pellet guns and smashing personal property with baseball bats. The teen pleaded guilty in July, according to sources. Saratoga Springs Judge Jeffrey Wait sentenced him to 90 days in Saratoga County jail. Prior to the plea, police again arrested Hellwig IV, In that case, police said he and four other Saratoga Springs High School students caused more than $1,000 in damage to The Paddocks of Wilton Clubhouse while holding an unauthorized beer party in residential community’s billiard room.