State Police investigate a fatal fire in town of Fowler

On January 3, 2025, at approximately 12:50 p.m., State Police members responded to 81 Little York Road in the town of Fowler for a report of a structure fire.

An investigation indicated the owner, Eric Wood, age 53, of Gouverneur, NY, was believed to be inside the residence when the fire started. Local fire departments put the fire out and were later able to make entry into the residence. An individual was located inside of the residence deceased.  State Police members responded to the scene and spoke with the New York State Fire Investigator regarding the incident. The St. Lawrence County Coroner responded to the scene and ordered the decedent to be removed.

On January 6, 2025, an autopsy was performed at Glens Falls Hospital by Forensic Pathologist Doctor Michael Sikirica.  The deceased individual was identified as Wood. The cause and manner of death are pending investigation. 

This is an ongoing investigation.

State Police members were assisted on the scene by New York State Fire, Gouverneur Fire, Edwards Fire, Harrisville Fire, and Richville Fire.

State Police arrest Wilton man for possessing Child Pornography

On January 7, 2025, State Police of Wilton, with the assistance of the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, arrested Gerald R. Helm Jr., 34, of Wilton, NY, for Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class “E” felony.

Helm Jr. is accused of possessing images consistent with child sexual exploitation. His arrest followed an investigation that stemmed from a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Helm Jr. was arrested and processed at SP Wilton. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Wilton Town Court on January 14, 2025, and released.

State Police investigate a missing person in the town of Peru

On January 6, 2025, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the New York State Police responded to 646 Fuller Road, Peru, as part of a missing person investigation. Jahfari J. Joseph, 40, from Plattsburgh, NY, is a black male weighing approximately 142 lbs, approximately 5’7”, with black hair and brown eyes. Joseph has been missing since December 29, 2024. Anyone having information regarding his disappearance is asked to call State Police Communications at 518-563-3761.

This is an ongoing investigation, being worked on in conjunction with the City of Plattsburgh Police Department and Clinton County Sheriff’s Department.

Whitesboro Man Arrested on Multiple Sex Offense Charges

On January 3, 2025, State Police arrested Cory M. Patterson, age 29, from Whitesboro, NY, for:

Two counts of Forcible touching (class “A” misdemeanor)

Sexual abuse 3rd degree (class “B” misdemeanor)

Act in Manner Injure a Child less than 17 (class “A” misdemeanor)

A preliminary investigation alleged that Patterson forcibly touched two female victims, ages 14 and 17 years old, at Owen D. Young Central School in December 2024.

Patterson transported to Town of Herkimer Court, where he was arraigned by Judge Petucci and released on his own recognizance to return to Town of Stark court on January 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.