An award-winning New York sheriff’s deputy is facing 25 years in prison for a rape he is accused of committing in 2013.
Tompkins County sheriff’s deputy Scott Walters, 32, was indicted Friday on first-degree rape and sexual abuse charges along with another man named Matthew Pinney, who is 30.
The two men are accused of engaging in “sexual intercourse with a person who was incapable of consent of reason by being physically helpless,” according to the indictment, which you can read here.
Both men appeared in court on Friday but were granted the Blue Privilege of remaining free throughout the weekend as long as they turn themselves in by 5 p.m. Monday.
At this time, there has been no official word on whether they turned themselves in.
According to The Ithaca Voice:
The men appeared in front of Judge John Rowley as their indictments were unsealed Friday, but were not taken into custody. They have until 5 p.m. Monday to post a $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.
Mugshots are not available of the men because they are not in custody at this time. But warrants for their arrest were issued on Dec. 7.
In a statement released by the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Department, Lt. Dan Donahue said, “Walters’ employment status is a personnel matter, which cannot be discussed by this office. As this is not a Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office case, the Sheriff’s Office has been advised to refer all inquiries to Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph Fazzary, the prosecuting attorney in this case.”
He and Sheriff Kenneth Lansing were unable to be reached by phone for comment.
The incident took place more than four years ago on February 2, 2013 at a house owned by Walters. Details of the incident are scarce at this time.
Not even the sex of the victim is mentioned in the indictment, much less why it took so long to charge the men.
Walters along with two other deputies were presented with Officer of the Month awards in 2015.
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