Former Dannemora town supervisor sentenced for attempted child exploitation

PLATTSBURGH | A former local town supervisor and longtime high-school sports umpire has been sentenced for the attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. Clinton County District Attorney Andrew J. Wylie announced Monday that William H. Chase, 68, of Merrill, was sentenced to 90 days in jail and 10 years of felony probation. He must also now register as a sex offender. Chase was arrested in February 2025, after arriving at the Best Western Plus in Plattsburgh, where he had arranged to meet with an individual he believed to be a 13‑year‑old boy. The investigation revealed that, prior to traveling to the hotel, Chase had also sent photographs of intimate parts of his body to the minor. The "minor" was, in fact, an undercover law‑enforcement operation. On March 5, Chase, a retired corrections officer and active former church volunteer, pleaded guilty to all charges, including second-degree attempted rape and attempted dissemination of indecent material to a minor, and left sentencing to the discretion of the court. Prosecutors requested a two-year term of state incarceration in the New York State Department of Corrections. Judge Keith M. Bruno imposed a sentence of 90 days incarceration, followed by t10 years of felony probation, including all mandatory sex‑offender‑related conditions and restrictions. The court further imposed a $1,000 fine, $300 surcharge, $1,000 sex‑offender victim fee, $50 DNA fee, and a $50 sex‑offender registration fee. District Attorney Wylie emphasized that the defendant's former public position and long‑standing involvement in youth athletics made his conduct particularly alarming. He noted that though the sentence was less than requested, it does ensure both accountability and long‑term supervision to protect the community. The Clinton County District Attorney's Office said it remains committed to aggressively prosecuting crimes involving the exploitation of children and ensuring that offenders are held fully responsible under New York law. This matter was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Jaime A. Douthat. The defendant was represented by Jacob Painter.

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Former Dannemora town supervisor sentenced for attempted child exploitation

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