Jefferson Man Abused Three Teenage Boys

Daily Star
December 14, 2016

http://www.thedailystar.com/news/local_news/police-three-teen-boys-sexually-abused-by-jefferson-man/article_a02053e5-c5df-5782-915b-32bbbe523f7d.html


A Schoharie County man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly sexually abusing several teenage boys, according to a media release from state police.

Jonathan M. Luce, 51, of Jefferson, engaged in sexual acts with three teenage boys at his residence over the past five years, according to troopers. They believe Luce had contact with the victims from his participation as a parishioner at a Schoharie County religious organization, which was not disclosed.

Troopers said Luce created opportunities to be alone with the victims and then engaged them in sexual activity. The alleged victims ranged in age from 12 to 17 years old, according to the release.

Luce has been charged with second-degree criminal sex act, a felony; sexual misconduct; second-degree sexual abuse; and endangering the welfare of a child, the release said. He is scheduled to appear in Jefferson Town Court on Jan. 2.

Lynn Hait, Jefferson's town justice, said he expects to receive court papers regarding Luce's case within the next week or so. He didn't have any information on the case Tuesday, he said.

A source close to the investigation speaking on anonymity said Luce has a wife and children. According to his LinkedIn professional networking account, he is a loan officer at Community Bank and previously worked at The National Bank of Delaware County. He apparently attended SUNY Cobleskill, according to the site.

Brian M. Corey, Jefferson Central School's superintendent, said Luce's children do not attend that school, and that he doesn't believe any of the victims attend Jefferson either.

"Right now, I don't have any reason to believe there is any impact on our district directly," Corey said. "However, this affects our community. We send out a memo to parents saying this has been in the news, and we are certainly monitoring the situation and will address any needs."

The release said anyone who may have information regarding Luce or additional victims should call state police at (518) 630-1712.