CHAMPLAIN, N.Y. — A Champlain man was arrested on multiple charges after New York State Police investigated an alleged domestic dispute early Tuesday morning in the Town of Champlain. Police said 51-year-old Phillip J. Sanders was charged with criminal mischief in the fourth degree, forcible touching, endangering the welfare of a child, assault in the third degree and unlawful imprisonment in the second degree. This incident has led to a significant development as the Champlain Man Charged After Domestic Dispute Investigation.
The arrest was announced by State Police on Sept. 9, one day after troopers responded to a home on Sunfish Drive. Sanders has been accused, but not convicted, of the charges. The allegations remain subject to court proceedings.
State Police respond to reported domestic dispute
According to New York State Police, troopers were called to Sunfish Drive at about 2:58 a.m. on Sept. 8 for a reported domestic dispute.
The Champlain Man Charged After Domestic Dispute Investigation has raised concerns in the community regarding domestic safety.
Investigators said Sanders and the alleged victim had been involved in a verbal argument that, in the words of State Police, “escalated into a physical altercation.” Police allege Sanders pinned the victim against a wall and touched the victim inappropriately.
The State Police release said the victim was able to get away and tried to contact law enforcement. Police allege Sanders then took the victim’s cellphone, preventing the call from being made.
A child was present during the incident, according to investigators. State Police said Sanders left the residence before troopers arrived.
Suspect later located and arrested
Troopers subsequently located Sanders and took him into custody. He was transported to the State Police barracks in Champlain for processing.
Police charged Sanders with:
- Criminal mischief in the fourth degree
- Forcible touching
- Endangering the welfare of a child
- Assault in the third degree
- Unlawful imprisonment in the second degree
Sanders was arraigned in Town of Champlain Court. State Police said he was remanded to the Clinton County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail, a $5,000 bond or a $10,000 partially secured bond.
What the charges mean under New York law
The charges filed in this case are misdemeanors under New York law. A criminal charge is an accusation and does not establish guilt. Prosecutors must still prove each charge in court beyond a reasonable doubt.
Criminal mischief in the fourth degree
New York Penal Law Section 145.00 covers several forms of criminal mischief in the fourth degree. One provision applies when a person intentionally disables or removes a telephone or similar device while another person is attempting to seek emergency help. The State Police allegation that the victim’s cellphone was taken while an effort was being made to contact law enforcement is consistent with the type of conduct covered by that statute. The specific legal theory used by prosecutors will be determined in court.
Forcible touching
Under New York Penal Law Section 130.52, forcible touching involves intentionally and without legitimate purpose forcibly touching another person’s sexual or intimate parts for purposes defined in the statute. The offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor.
Endangering the welfare of a child
New York Penal Law Section 260.10 makes it a crime to knowingly act in a manner likely to harm the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child under 17. State Police said a child was present during the alleged altercation.
Assault and unlawful imprisonment
Third-degree assault under New York Penal Law Section 120.00 can involve intentionally, recklessly or in certain circumstances criminally negligently causing physical injury. Second-degree unlawful imprisonment, under Section 135.05, applies when a person restrains another person.
The filing of these charges does not mean every statutory element has been proven. Those questions are resolved through the criminal justice process.
Domestic incidents can involve several overlapping charges
Domestic-dispute cases can lead to multiple charges when investigators believe a single incident involved physical force, restraint, interference with a call for help or conduct occurring in front of a child. Each offense has separate elements that prosecutors must establish.
For readers, the most important distinction is between an arrest report and a conviction. Police reports describe allegations based on an investigation. A defendant remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
What happens next
Following arraignment and remand to the Clinton County Jail, the case is expected to proceed through the local court system. Future proceedings may address bail status, motions, plea discussions or a trial. No additional court outcome was included in the Sept. 9 State Police release.
The investigation was handled by New York State Police Troop B. Trooper Brandi M. Ashley was listed as the public information officer on the release.
Conclusion
The Champlain man arrested in this case faces five charges stemming from an alleged early-morning domestic incident. State Police say a child was present and that the alleged victim was prevented from completing a call to law enforcement. The case now moves through the courts, where the allegations will be tested under New York law.
Source: New York State Police, Sept. 9, 2026; New York State Senate Open Legislation for cited Penal Law definitions.
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