MILLBROOK, N.Y. -- Dutchess County Sheriff’s office representatives said it’s a troubling crime allegedly committed by former Millbrook Mayor Donald Briggs.
"Approximately two weeks ago, members of the sheriff’s office and Dutchess County Child Advocacy Center became involved in an investigation involving inappropriate sexual contact,” said Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Captain John Watterson.
Watterson said the 65-year-old Briggs was charged with two counts of a criminal sexual act, for allegedly having sexual contact with a minor. He's currently free on $10,000 bail.
"We take them extremely seriously these types of cases. We investigate them very aggressively, very thoroughly, and we do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice,” said Watterson.
Watterson said he can’t release any more information about the case in order to protect the victim. But he said he wants the community to know there are resources available to help children in these types of cases.
"The group that investigated this or assisted in the investigation of this incident is a child advocacy group, and there are many avenues through that group to get help and assistance for people that need it such as in this case,” he said.
That group is the Dutchess County Child Advocacy Center. Anyone with information to this case can call (845) 486-3778 and ask for Deputy Sheriff Ben Sistarenik.
If you have information, you can also contact the Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at (845) 486-3820, or via the tip line at (845) 605-2583, or email at dcsotips@gmail.com.