Robert Edmunds Jr Arrested for Sexual Conduct with Minor

Warren County Sheriffs arrested a Thurman man early Thursday morning after conducting an investigation into his alleged sexual relationship with a child that occurred for several years.

Robert B. Edmunds, Jr., 37, was arrested when sheriffs pulled his car off exit 15 of the Northway at 4:20 Thursday morning, according to a statement released by sheriffs on Thursday evening.

It was reported that Edmunds was in possession of a rifle and suicidal after he found out about the investigation into his conduct that began on Wednesday.

Police say Edmunds was charged with first degree sexual conduct against a child, arraigned in Glens Falls City Court and remanded to Warren County Jail on $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond.

Edmunds will return to court on November 17.

Sex Offender William Davis Sentenced to 120 More Years

A convicted sex offender already serving 40 years in prison for raping a 12-year-old girl at an Ardsley motel has been sentenced to another 120 years in prison for crimes that came to light as a result of that case.

A federal judge in Manhattan today sentenced William Davis, 48, of Manhattan, for his conviction at trial on charges of producing child pornography, possession of child pornography, and being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition.

The production of child porn charge refers to explicit photos of Davis' 4-year-old step-daughter that Ardsley and Westchester County police found after they arrested Davis for the Dec. 28, 2006, kidnapping of a 12-year-old girl off a Brooklyn street.

Davis took the girl to the Ardsley Acres Motel where he raped her.

Ardsley detectives later found additional child pornography on computer disks and five bullets in a safe that Davis had left at his ex-wife's apartment in Manhattan.

He was convicted in August 2007 in state Supreme Court in Westchester County for the Ardsley rape and sentenced to 40 years.

The 120-year federal sentence imposed today will run consecutive to the state sentence.

David Hayes Sentenced to 12 Years for Sexual Abuse

David Hayes, 39, of Clifton Park will spend up to 12 years in prison for his conviction on several counts surrounding the sexual abuse of a child. He was convicted on May 15, after a jury trial.

Hayes was sentenced to four years in state prison on one conviction of sexual abuse in the first degree, three years in state prison on two convictions of sexual abuse in the first degree, and two years in state prison on one conviction of sexual abuse in the first degree for a total of 12 years in state prison. The judge directed that the prison terms be served consecutively.

He was also sentenced to three years of post release supervision.

James Elliott Arrested for Taking Photos of Nude Children

A man has been arrested after police say he allegedly took photos of nude children through a hole in a bathroom wall that he created for viewing purposes.

49-year-old James Elliott, of State Route 12, was arrested and charged with use of a child in a sexual performance and unlawful surveillance, both felonies, according to the Lewis County Sheriff's Office.

Victims ranged in ages from four to twelve.

Elliott was arraigned in the Town of Lowville Court and sent to the Lewis County Jail on $250,000 cashing bail and $500,000 bond.

The investigation into the incidents is ongoing and further charges are pending. Federal charges are also pending after consultation from the United States Attorney's Office.

James Kent Sentenced to 1-3 Years for Child Porn

A former professor at Marist College has been sentenced to 1-3 years in state prison for keeping child pornography on his computers at the school.

James Kent was convicted in April at a trial in Dutchess County.

The judge sentenced him on Friday.

Some of the photos found on the 62-year-old's computer depicted infants being sexually abused.

Lynn & Lindsey Maxwell Released from Jail

Lynn and Lindsey Maxwell, the parents of Erin Maxwell, were released from jail on Thursday.

The two were being held until their October sentencing after convictions of four counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Earlier this week, the judge agreed to lower their bail to $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond each.

The couple was accused of locking Erin in her room and forcing her to live in deplorable conditions.

Lynn's stepson, Alan Jones, is accused of killing Erin. Jones second degree murder trial is scheduled to begin in September.

Richard & Katherine Graham Arrested or Assault

Following a month long, joint investigation between the Oswego County Sheriff's Department and the Oswego County Department of Social Services Child Protection Unit, Sheriff's Investigators announced the arrest of an Oswego Town couple.

On August 12, 2009 Richard Graham, 28 years old and his wife Katherine Graham, 25 years old were arrested and charged with 2 counts each of Assault in the first degree a Class B felony, Reckless Endangerment in the first degree a Class D felony, and Endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor.

Both the Graham's live at 208 Furniss Station Road in the Town of Oswego with their six children. The investigation revealed that a lack of care was given to the two youngest children, 14 month old twins over the course of the past year.

Mr. And Mrs. Graham were arraigned in the Granby Town Court and remanded to the Oswego County Correctional Facility. Mr. Graham is being held on $20,000.00 cash bail / $40,000.00 bond. Mrs. Graham is being held on $10,000.00 cash bail / $20,000.00 bond.

Both are to reappear in the Oswego Town Court on August 17, 2009 at 6:00 PM.

The Graham twins are currently in foster care. The other Graham children are staying with other family members.

The investigation is continuing.

John Jeter Charged with Sexual Abuse on 13-year-old

A 42-year-old Camden man has been charged with subjecting a 13-year-old girl to sexual contact, according to state police.

John A. Jeter, of Taberg Florence Road, was charged Friday with second-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child by state police investigators assigned to the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center.

Jeter was arraigned in Camden Town Court and sent to the Oneida County jail in lieu of $5,000 cash or bond. He is scheduled to appear in Florence Town Court on Aug. 11.

Members of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation and arrest.

Barry Morris Arrested for Sex Act with Minor

Greece Police have charged a Greece Central School District teacher for a criminal sex act and for endangering the welfare of a child.

Police arrested 63-year-old Barry Morris, a 4th grade teacher at West Ridge Road Elementary, on July 31 and he was send to the Monroe County Jail until he posted bail.

The alleged incident involves a 14 years of age and younger.

According to Greece School Superintendent Steve Achramovitch, Morris has been placed on paid administrative leave. Achramovitch also said the alleged incident did not occur on school property and it did not involve a student that Morris teaches.

Morris has been a teacher for 35 years with 19 years at West Ridge Elementary.
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Teacher Danial Rothbard Arrested for Sexual Assault on 15-year-old

An elementary school math teacher and longtime camp counselor was arrested on July 21 and charged with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl, police said.

Daniel Rothbard, 28, of Merrick, was found in a car with the girl in the parking lot of Westbrook Elementary School in West Islip at 8:25 p.m. last Tuesday, and was arrested. Aside from being a camp counselor in East Rockaway, Rothbard teaches at Willow Road School in Franklin Square.

Detective Lt. Matt Sullivan of Suffolk County’s 3rd Precinct said Rothbard was “in a partial state of undress” at the time of the arrest. Sullivan did not say whether the girl was unclothed as well, but he did say the two were not having sex when they were discovered by a patrol officer.

Investigators learned that Rothbard, who graduated from Lawrence High School in 1999, met the girl through MySpace, and that in online conversations in which he used the name “DJ” or “D to the J,” he told her he was 17. Sullivan said that investigators are trying to determine whether he used the Internet to meet other underage girls.

Rothbard was charged with two felonies, third-degree rape and third-degree criminal sexual act; and two misdemeanors, third-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. He pleaded not guilty at an arraignment in First District Court in Central Islip on July 22, according to his attorney, Todd Greenberg, and was released after $5,000 bail was posted in cash later that day.

Rothbard, who is married, has been a teacher in Valley Stream District 13 for the past four years. He has worked as a math specialist at the James A. Dever School in Valley Stream and, most recently, at Willow Road School in Franklin Square. He earned tenure in the district in 2008.

In a written statement, District 13 Superintendent Elizabeth Lison said, “The district is currently consulting with its legal counsel regarding this teacher’s employment status.” Lison also noted that Rothbard had undergone a background check before he was hired, and had no criminal record. She described the arrest as “an incident unrelated to his employment with the district.”

Rothbard was also employed for 16 years at Rolling River Day Camp in East Rockaway as a counselor, and then as an assistant supervisor. In a letter to parents, camp directors Rhonda and Mark Goodman wrote that his “employment has been terminated,” adding, “We have no reason to believe he engaged in similar behavior with anyone at camp.” But the letter urged parents to ask children about any inappropriate activity they may have experienced.

Mark Goodman said that Rothbard’s younger brother, Eric, works at Rolling River, as he has for “a lot of years.” Goodman could not confirm whether Rothbard’s wife, who is also a camp employee, would be returning to Rolling River, but said, “She’s taking a few days.”

“We know him as a very decent young man,” Greenberg said, “and we look forward to resolving this case.”

If convicted, Rothbard faces 16 months to four years in prison and the loss of his teaching license. Section 10.55 of New York State Education Law empowers the commissioner of education to revoke the certificate of a teacher convicted of a sex crime.

Rothbard is due back in court on Sept. 22.

William Compson Charged with Possession of Child Porn

Geneva, N.Y.

A federal grand jury in Rochester has charged a 60-year old Geneva man with receiving and possessing child pornography.

Prosecutors say William J. Compson, whose address was not released, allegedly downloaded images and videos of child pornography on his computer. Minors were allegedly engaged in sexual activity in those files, according to a spokeswoman from the U.S. Department of Justice, Peggy McFarland.

Compson faces five counts — three of receipt and two of possession of child pornography. Each of the two possession charges carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It’s part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to fight sexual exploitation of children.

Compson was arraigned today before Judge Marian W. Payson.

Thomas Farquharson Charged with Sex Abuse

A Petersburgh man was charged with sex crimes involving minors, State Police at Brunswick said Saturday.

Thomas B. Farquharson, 53, of State Route 2 was arrested on charges of first-degree criminal sexual act, first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child, accused of having sexual contact with two girls younger than 11.

Farquharson was arraigned in Petersburg Town Court and sent to the Rensselaer County jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.
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http://www.cbs6albany.com/news/arrested-1265035-petersburg-child.html

John Derrigo Arrested for Child Porn

An Adams Center man is one of 11 suspects arrested by federal authorities this week for allegedly online activities involving child pornography.

John Derrigo, 58, is charged with receipt and possession of child pornography, according to a release from the United States Attorney, Northern District of New York.

Derrigo was arrested Thursday at his home after the execution of a search warrant. He appeared in court in Syracuse and was detained pending a detention hearing set for Monday.

If convicted, Derrigo would face a minimum five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.

Three of the other suspects are from Cortland County. Others are from Fulton, Binghamton, Johnstown, Rensselaer County, and Warren County.

Eleven Arrested for Child Porn in Upstate New York

Federal and state authorities have arrested 11 people across upstate New York in an investigation of child pornography distributed over the Internet.

The arrests this week followed an investigation that led to 17 federal search warrants, U.S. Attorney Andrew Baxter said Friday. The defendants, ranging in age from 18 to 58, are charged with receipt of child pornography. Some are charged with distribution. All could face at least five years in federal prison, prosecutors said.

Authorities said computer images depicting sex with prepubescent children, including toddlers, were posted and downloaded on an Internet file-sharing server. They declined to discuss other details or explain exactly how they identified the 11 suspects.

"One of the things I don't think people necessarily realize is that every image of child pornography depicts a crime scene of abuse of a child," Baxter said. "Child pornography is created by the abuse of real live people, real live children. So that the demand for those images created by people downloading and trading pornography triggers abuse down the line."

Federal authorities expect to bring 75 cases this year in northern New York, up from about 40 to 50 typically, with an additional prosecutor assigned to them. The 11 charged are from eight counties.

Baxter said one recent study from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children showed one in seven children who are regular Internet users are sexually solicited online, suggesting there are thousands of predators.

"It would traumatize people to see the images," Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Spina said.

State Police Capt. Frank Pace, who has headed his agency's Computer Crime Unit for the past year and a half, said he regards child pornography as the crack cocaine of the 21st century. "It's so prevalent out there," he said.

Pace said these are among the easiest cases to prosecute. He said these 11 defendants were not an organized group.

New York Yankees Jimmie Johnson Michael Bloomberg British Airways The View Federal cases typically end with a guilty plea and prison, even for a first offense, Spina said.

"A lot of these people have deep-seated problems. They need professional help," Baxter said. "But the bottom line is they need to stop it or eventually they're going to get caught."

The latest group doesn't include any accusations that the suspects made child pornography. While Baxter acknowledged some material originates outside the United States, technology has made it possible for anybody with a cheap camera to do it in their basement.

Donald Nitchman Pleads Guilty to Sexual Acts Against 3 Boys

A 49-year-old Saratoga man has pleaded guilty to committing criminal sex acts against three boys over a period of three years, county District Attorney James Murphy announced today.

As a result, Donald Nitchman is convicted of felony criminal sex act, and two counts of criminal sex act.

According to DA Murphy, Nitchman engaged in oral sex with three male victims, all less than 15 years old, between the summer of 2004 and July 2007. The incidents occurred at a horse farm on Haas Rd., owned by Nitchman.

“By requiring the defendant to plead to the highest possible charge and a felony for each victim, we have held the defendant responsible for his criminal conduct," Murphy said in a press release.

"Threatening young boys to keep quiet and performing lurid and salacious acts upon them, we are pleased that the defendant will serve between 16 and 20 years," Murphy concluded.

Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 1st.

Andre Williams Sentenced to 8 years for Sexually Abusing 9-year-old

A Gloversville man accused of sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl over a three-year period was sentenced today in Fulton County Court to a prison term of eight years.

Andre R. Williams, 29, of Homestead Drive was sentenced by Judge Polly A. Hoye on the basis of his May 19 guilty plea to one count of first-degree criminal sex act.

Williams will also serve eight years of post-release supervision.

Police arrested Williams on Feb. 12 for incidents that occurred from 2003-06.

He was indicted April 8 on seven counts, including three of first-degree criminal sexual act; predatory sexual assault against a child, course of sexual conduct against a child and endangering.

Officer Philip Spaman Arrested for Forcible Touching Child

An Ilion police officer Monday became the fifth law enforcement officer this year to face criminal charges in the Mohawk Valley.

Ilion Officer Philip Spaman, 47, of Herkimer, was arraigned in Herkimer County Court on Monday on misdemeanor charges involving the touching of a child.

He faces one count each of forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child, prosecutors said.

Assistant District Attorney Jeff Carpenter said the two misdemeanor charges against Spaman were handed up in a sealed indictment from a grand jury.

The charges stem from alleged events involving a child under the age of 17 that occurred between September 2007 and October 2008, Carpenter said.

Because of the nature of the case, no information on the victim or his or her relationship to Spaman is being released, prosecutors said.

Ilion police Chief Timothy Parisi said Monday evening that Spaman had been suspended from duty with pay while internal and criminal proceedings against him move forward. Spaman has been a member of the department for almost 8 years.

“The criminal justice system must now take its course,” Parisi said in released statement that directed additional questions to the District Attorney’s Office. “I ask that you respect the judicial process and seek no further comment from the Ilion Police Department.”

Spaman was processed by the Herkimer village police department Monday morning prior to his arraignment, Herkimer police said.

He was represented at the arraignment by attorney George Aney and pleaded not guilty to both charges, Carpenter said. Aney did not return calls Monday.

A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 5.

Earlier this year, two members of the state police and two other local police officers were charged with crimes. None of those cases has been resolved:

*State police Investigator Matthew Sullivan, who is suspended without pay, was indicted in April on 10 misdemeanor charges and traffic violations stemming from a Feb. 6 traffic stop in Trenton. The charges include driving while intoxicated, speeding, unlawfully fleeing a police officer, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, passing a red light, failure to keep right and failure to comply with a police officer.

*Trooper David Volz, who is assigned to the Herkimer state police barracks, was charged April 23 with misdemeanor petit larceny in connection with the alleged mulch theft in Rome. He was suspended without pay.

*Then-Dolgeville Officer Greg Malta Jr. was charged with misdemeanor fourth-degree criminal mischief, after police said he drove his patrol car around the school's baseball field. Malta was fired from the force.

*Herkimer Village Police Investigator Robert Risi, an 18-year veteran, stole $9,600 from an evidence locker, prosecutors. Risi faces a felony charge of third-degree larceny. He has been suspended without pay.

Donald Beebe Jr Arrested for Sexual Abuse on 5-year-old

A 26-year-old Herkimer man has been charged with felony sexual abuse after he allegedly subjected a 5-year-old female to sexual contact, according to a news release Monday from state police.

State police assigned to the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center charged Donald Beebe Jr. with first-degree sexual abuse, a Class D felony, according to the release.

Beebe was arraigned in Town of Marcy Court and sent to the county jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bond, according to the release. He is scheduled to return to the court at 4 p.m. Thursday.

The victim is seeking services through the Child Advocacy Center, according to the release.

Rev James McDevitt Arrested for Sexual Abuse

MARGARETVILLE

Authorities in Delaware County lodged sexual abuse and other charges against a Roman Catholic priest with ties to the Capital Region who is accused of spanking several males ranging in age from 11 to 19.

The Rev. James J. McDevitt, 62, was serving as pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Margaretville, located roughly 20 miles south of Schoharie County, before the investigation that led to 20 misdemeanor charges.

According to the Albany Roman Catholic Diocese, McDevitt was ordained in 1997 and then served as associate pastor at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville.

He served as chaplain at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy from 1999 to 2000 and then as associate pastor at St. Mary’s in Ballston Spa.

Details of the investigation were not immediately available Friday, but an officer at the Delaware County Sheriff's Department said McDevitt is accused of spanking the males.

The charges relate to six boys in Delaware County, and investigators allege McDevitt had criminal contact with two of the alleged victims roughly three years ago.

McDevitt is charged with six counts of second-degree sexual abuse and one count of third-degree sexual abuse, seven counts of forcible touching and six counts of endangering the welfare of a child, according to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department.

When the investigation began, McDevitt requested a voluntary administrative leave and it was granted, Albany Roman Catholic Diocese spokesman Ken Goldfarb said Friday.

Goldfarb said when on administrative leave, priests are not allowed to celebrate Mass, administer other sacraments nor appear in public as a priest.

Other priests will fill in at the Margaretville church, Goldfarb said.

Goldfarb said the diocese has not received any complaints about McDevitt in his 12 years as a priest.

McDevitt served as pastor of St. Peter’s in Delhi, Delaware County, before being appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Margaretville.

Louis Paul Jr Arrested for Sexual Abuse

A 66-year-old man has been charged with four misdemeanors for allegedly sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl and making inappropriate comments to two other girls, police said.

Louis A. Paul Jr., of county Route 68, faces a charge of third-degree sexual abuse and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child after an investigation by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

He is accused of fondling a 13-year-old girl he knows, and making sexual comments to the girl and two other teenage girls, said Washington County sheriff's Investigator Bruce Hamilton. Hamilton said he was arrested on similar charges in connection with a different girl in February, and the other girls came forward after learning of his arrest.

The sexual abuse charge is a felony and not a misdemeanor because he is not accused of forcing the girl to have sexual contact, and she is over the age of 11. If she was under 11, the sexual abuse count would be a felony.

Paul was released pending prosecution in White Creek Town Court. Hamilton was assisted in the case by Washington County Child Protective Services.