Utica Woman Charged After Entering Secure County Hallway

Sheriff’s deputies say a county employee was shoved as the woman entered a restricted section of the Oneida County Office Building.

A Utica woman was arrested at the Oneida County Office Building after authorities said she shoved an employee and entered a secure hallway without permission. The incident happened July 13, 2026, at the government building on Park Avenue, according to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol. The woman was taken into custody when she returned to the building eight days later.

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office identified the woman as Moje Nyree Jackson, 25, of Utica. She was charged with third-degree criminal trespass, a Class B misdemeanor, and second-degree harassment, a violation.

Jackson was issued an appearance ticket for Utica City Court and released. The charges are accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Employee Allegedly Shoved Near Secure Door

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred at approximately 3:35 p.m. on Monday, July 13, inside a public waiting area at the Oneida County Office Building.

Investigators said Jackson was standing beside a secure door when a county employee opened it. Authorities allege Jackson then pushed or shoved the employee in the chest or shoulder and used the opportunity to enter a restricted hallway.

The Sheriff’s Office described the incident as a harassment and criminal trespass investigation. Its public statement said Jackson “gained access to a secure hallway” after making physical contact with the employee.

The original information supplied to the Utica Phoenix also states that Jackson allegedly entered the secure area after shoving the employee.

Authorities did not report that the employee suffered an injury. The Sheriff’s Office also did not disclose why Jackson was at the building, how long she remained in the hallway or whether she attempted to enter any offices.

Those details could not be independently verified and are not included as established facts.

Jackson Arrested Eight Days Later

Deputies said Jackson returned to the Oneida County Office Building on Tuesday, July 21. She was taken into custody at the building and transported to the booking room at the Oneida County Courthouse.

Jackson was formally charged with:

• Criminal trespass in the third degree, under New York Penal Law Section 140.10(1)(a)
• Harassment in the second degree, under New York Penal Law Section 240.26(1)

She was released after receiving an appearance ticket directing her to appear in Utica City Court at a later date.

The Sheriff’s Office did not announce the court date in its public statement. No information was released about whether Jackson has an attorney.

What Is Third-Degree Criminal Trespass?

Third-degree criminal trespass occurs when a person knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in certain protected or enclosed property.

New York Penal Law Section 140.10 states that the charge can apply when someone knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in a building or on property that is “fenced or otherwise enclosed in a manner designed to exclude intruders.”

In this case, investigators allege Jackson entered a hallway that was protected by a secure door and not open to members of the public.

Third-degree criminal trespass is classified as a Class B misdemeanor under New York law. A charge is not the same as a conviction. Prosecutors would still be required to prove each part of the alleged offense in court.

New York law allows a court to impose a definite jail sentence of no more than three months for a Class B misdemeanor. However, that is the statutory maximum, not an indication of what sentence would be imposed in this case. A judge may consider several options if a defendant is convicted.

What Is Second-Degree Harassment?

Second-degree harassment may be charged when a person intentionally strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects another person to unwanted physical contact.

New York Penal Law Section 240.26 requires an intent to harass, annoy or alarm another person. The section cited by deputies specifically covers striking, shoving, kicking, attempting physical contact or threatening such contact.

Second-degree harassment is categorized as a violation rather than a misdemeanor or felony.

The harassment charge appears to be connected to the allegation that Jackson pushed or shoved the county employee. Whether the alleged contact meets every legal requirement of the statute will be determined through the court process.

County Building Has Controlled Access

The Oneida County Office Building is located at 800 Park Avenue in Utica. It houses several public agencies and county services, including offices connected to health, social services and county administration. The county lists its regular public hours as 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Although members of the public regularly visit the building, public access does not extend to every hallway, office or employee area.

Oneida County added a security screening checkpoint at the building’s main entrance in 2022. The county said at the time that sheriff’s deputies would screen visitors and prevent weapons, explosives, chemical sprays, knives and unauthorized packages from entering the facility.

Security measures such as locked doors and restricted hallways are intended to protect employees, visitors, private records and areas where official business is conducted.

The allegations in this case illustrate an important distinction. A government building may be open to the public while still containing areas that require permission or employee access.

An Appearance Ticket Is Not a Finding of Guilt

Jackson’s release on an appearance ticket means she was directed to report to court instead of remaining in custody while the case was pending.

It does not mean that the charges were dismissed or that the allegations were proven. The court will determine how the case moves forward after Jackson appears.

At a future proceeding, she may enter a plea, request legal representation and challenge the evidence presented against her. Prosecutors carry the burden of proving the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt before a criminal conviction can be entered.

Readers should also avoid treating an arrest announcement as a final account of what happened. Police statements present the allegations developed during an investigation. A defendant and defense attorney may later dispute the facts, the intent behind the conduct or whether the charged statutes apply.

What Happens Next

Jackson is expected to answer the charges in Utica City Court on a date set by the appearance ticket.

The case could proceed in several ways. The charges could be contested, reduced, resolved through an agreement or dismissed if prosecutors determine the available evidence is insufficient. A judge could also schedule hearings or other proceedings.

No outcome had been publicly announced as of July 23, 2026.

The Sheriff’s Office has not released surveillance footage, employee statements or additional investigative records connected to the incident. The Utica Phoenix will update this report if court records or further official information become available.

Anyone visiting the Oneida County Office Building should follow posted directions and remain in areas open to the public. Questions about access should be directed to a county employee or security officer rather than attempting to enter a locked or restricted space.