Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton Pictured is Michael Burham being led for two preliminary hearings, centered around kidnapping charges against an elderly Mead Township couple and escape from the Warren County Jail.

A kidnapping and escape has led to maximum sentences being imposed on Michael C. Burham in the Warren County Courthouse on Friday morning.

A total sentence of 25 years, two months to 50 years, four months was handed down to Burham for the kidnapping, burglary and escape charges that all took place over a three-week period.

District Attorney Rob Greene questioned how Burham could possibly claim to take accountability in light of his escape.

Burham’s comments were brief. He apologized to in the victims and “everyone in Warren.”

Judge Gregory Hammond detailed in length the impact of his crimes on the kidnapping victims. Hammond also said can’t think of a crime in his 40 years of legal experience that had a greater negative effect on the community than the escape.

“You’ll do anything to anybody to maintain your freedom,” Hammond said.

Burham, 35, Ashville, N.Y., pleaded guilty to charges of kidnapping, recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats, theft and burglary as part of a negotiated plea in November.

He also pleaded guilty to a single count of escape.

It was his escape from the Warren County Jail back in July that precipitated a 10-day manhunt that brought the county national and international attention.

Burham could also be facing murder charges in connection to the May death of Kala Hodgkin, 34, inside her William Street home in Jamestown.

Those charges have not been announced by the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office.