Ripley, New York – A 45-year-old man faces felony charges following an alleged sexual offense involving a minor in the Town of Ripley.
According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were notified around 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, of an alleged incident. Sheriff’s Road Patrol and Criminal Investigators conducted a preliminary investigation that led to the identification of William E. Carter, 45, of Ripley.
Authorities allege Carter, being 21 years of age or older, subjected a person younger than 13 to sexual contact.
Investigators located Carter at a residence in Mayville, where he was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office for processing and later booked into the county jail pending a Centralized Arraignment Program proceeding.
Carter was charged with Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and Forcible Touching. He was held on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 property bond and is scheduled to answer the charges in Chautauqua County Supreme Court.
The Sheriff’s Office stated it remains committed to protecting children and holding those responsible for crimes against minors accountable.
The case remains under investigation.
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