UTICA - A Utica man accused of sexually abusing a six year old girl was in court this morning, where he told Judge Michael Dwyer that he wanted to fire his public defender, and represent himself.

Michael Chicherchia rejected a plea deal earlier this month, and faces felony charges of sexual assault on a child who he was babysitting.

The judge told Chicherchia that if he could afford his own attorney, he could get one. Otherwise, the public defender is what he gets.

He could get up to 25 years in prison if convicted. He returns to court for a hearing on April 30 to determine if a police statement was taken illegally.