Boonville Resident Faces Felony Burglary Charge After Village Arrest

A 20-year-old Boonville resident is now facing serious felony charges after New York State Police say he illegally entered someone’s home, sending a clear message that law enforcement in Northern Oneida County is watching.

Boonville Felony Burglary Arrest Shocks Small Community

The village of Boonville is a tight-knit community in Northern Oneida County. When a crime like this hits close to home, residents take notice. On May 23, New York State Police out of the Marcy station arrested Williamson, 20, of Boonville, NY, on a serious felony charge that could land him in state prison for years.

Troopers charged Williamson with one count of burglary in the second degree, a Class C violent felony under New York Penal Law Section 140.25. The specific charge: illegal entry of a dwelling. Authorities say the arrest stems from a burglary investigation in the village.

This is not a minor offense. Under New York law, burglary in the second degree carries a mandatory minimum sentence of three and a half years in state prison, with a maximum of 15 years. Fines can reach up to $15,000. A conviction would follow Williamson for the rest of his life.

What Is Burglary in the Second Degree in New York?

Not everyone is familiar with the legal difference between trespassing and burglary. The distinction matters, and it matters a lot.

Under New York Penal Law Section 140.25, a person commits burglary in the second degree when they:

• Knowingly enter or remain unlawfully in a building with the intent to commit a crime inside, AND

• The building is a dwelling (a home, apartment, or any place where people reside overnight)

This is what separates it from third-degree burglary, which covers non-residential buildings. When a person breaks into a home, the law treats it more seriously because people have the right to feel safe in their own space.

According to criminal defense attorneys who specialize in New York law, the charge does not require that the defendant actually committed the underlying crime once inside. Prosecutors only need to prove intent to commit a crime at the time of entry.

“Burglary in the second degree is a very serious charge. If you are convicted you will end up in prison and you will spend multiple years away from your family and friends.” — Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates

NYSP Marcy: Protecting Northern Oneida County

The New York State Police station in Marcy serves a wide region of Central New York, including communities like Boonville, Rome, and surrounding Oneida County towns. State Troopers from the Marcy barracks have been active in addressing burglary cases in the Northern Oneida region.

This is not an isolated case in the area. In May 2025, NYSP Marcy arrested two Boonville teenagers in connection with a Forestport burglary complaint from August 2024, according to Flack Broadcasting. Those cases involved misdemeanor criminal trespass. Williamson’s charge is significantly more serious.

In July 2023, NYSP Marcy also arrested a Lewis County resident on a felony burglary charge tied to a case in the town of Boonville, as reported by Flack Broadcasting. These cases paint a picture of an area where law enforcement takes property crimes seriously.

What Happens Next for Williamson?

Following the arrest on May 23, the case now moves through the New York court system. Key stages include:

1. Arraignment – Williamson will appear before a judge to hear the formal charges and enter a plea

2. Bail hearing – A judge will determine whether Williamson is held or released pending trial

3. Grand jury presentation – For a felony charge like this, prosecutors typically present evidence to a grand jury

4. Potential plea or trial – Williamson could enter into a plea agreement or proceed to trial

As with all criminal proceedings in the United States, Williamson is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Community Safety and the Real Cost of Burglary

For anyone who has had their home broken into, the trauma goes beyond stolen property. Victims report lasting feelings of violation, anxiety, and fear in their own homes. That emotional toll is part of why New York law treats burglary of a dwelling so severely.

The Boonville area is known for its natural beauty, its close community ties, and events like the Boonville Oneida County Fair. When someone allegedly violates that trust by illegally entering a neighbor’s home, the whole community feels it.

“People have the right to feel safe in their own space.”

Law enforcement encourages residents to report suspicious activity, secure their homes, and be aware of their surroundings. Community vigilance is one of the most effective tools in preventing property crimes.

Tips for Protecting Your Home:

• Install exterior lighting and a doorbell camera

• Lock all doors and windows, even when home

• Get to know your neighbors and watch out for each other

• Report any suspicious activity to NYSP by calling their non-emergency line or submitting a tip at troopers.ny.gov

A Reminder That Consequences Are Real

The Williamson arrest is a reminder that no community is immune to crime, and that state law carries real, life-altering consequences for those convicted. A Class C violent felony in New York is not something that gets wiped away easily. It follows a person through job applications, housing searches, and every corner of their future.

For a 20-year-old, the stakes could not be higher.

NYSP Troopers from the Marcy barracks continue to investigate. No further details have been released at this time. The Mohawk Valley Voice will update this story as new information becomes available.

If you have information related to burglary activity in the Boonville area, contact the New York State Police at troopers.ny.gov or call Troop D at their regional station.