Troopers assist with locating woman who was suffering from mental health crisis deceased

On February 4, 2025, New York State Police at Ithaca assisted the New York State Park Police with an investigation into a missing Cayuga Heights woman who was suffering from a  mental health crisis.  An investigation led Troopers to Taughnock Falls State Park where the woman was located deceased in a creek near the Taughnock Falls State Park trail.

The Trumansburg Fire Department assisted with removing the woman’s body.  No foul play is suspected.  The investigation is on-going.

New York State Police Academy Graduation, 216th Session

Event: New York State Police Academy Graduation, 216th Session

Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: Empire State Plaza Convention Center, Albany, NY

176 new Troopers will be honored for their perseverance and dedication in completing the 216th session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy during graduation exercises at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York. 

The 216th session is the final class to graduate from the New York State Police Academy at Cazenovia.

State Police arrest Johnstown man following child sexual abuse investigation

On January 27, 2025, State Police of Fonda arrested Joseph J. Green, 39, of Johnstown, NY, for Criminal Sex Act in the second degree, attempted Criminal Sex Act in the second degree, Forcible Touching and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

On January 9, 2025, at about 11:54 a.m. Troopers received information reporting past sexual abuse of a child that occurred from 2019 until 2023.  The investigation determined Green reportedly had sexual contact with a child under the age of 17 on more than one occurrence at locations in Montgomery County, NY.

Green was arrested and processed at SP Fonda. He was arraigned at the Palatine Town Court and remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in lieu of $5,000 cash, $25,000 bond, or a $50,000 partially secured bond.

Chittenango Man Arrested on Sex Offense Charges

On February 4, 2025, State Police arrested Roger S. Lane Jr., age 33 from Chittenango, NY, for:

•    Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child (class “D” felony)

•    Possession of Sexual Performance by a Child (class “E” felony)

The investigation stemmed from an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force search warrant related to the transmission of child sexual exploitation material via the internet.

The arrest was a result of a joint investigation by members of the Computer Crime Unit – Troop D, State Police Troop D Bureau of Criminal Investigation – Oneida, ICAC – Albany, and Homeland Security Investigations.  

Lane was arraigned at Madison County CAP Court, and was released on his own recognizance to be scheduled to return to court at a later date.

Missing Person Located Deceased in Cross Lake

The New York State Police in Auburn have located the body of a 66-year-old male who was reported missing on February 2, 2025. He was last seen at his cottage on Cross Lake, Cayuga County, before being reported missing by his wife after he failed to return home.

Earlier today, search efforts identified a potential location on Cross Lake where the UTV may have broken through the ice. The New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team URT was deployed to investigate the area.

Following an extensive search effort, the 66-year-old was found deceased in Cross Lake. His body has been recovered. URT continues working to clear the UTV, which is believed to have gone through the ice. However, recovery of the UTV has not yet been possible due to current conditions.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the initial investigation after the 66-year-old was reported missing by his wife. The case was later transferred to the New York State Police when it was determined he was last seen in Cayuga County.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the New York State Police at 585-398-4100.

This is an ongoing investigation.