Police: Jefferson man used church to abuse teenage boys

December 13, 2016 - SP Cobleskill

State Police arrested Jonathan M. Luce, 51, from the Town of Jefferson for charges related to the sexual abuse of teenage boys. He was charged with 1 count of Criminal Sex Act 2nd (felony), 1 count of Sexual Misconduct (misdemeanor), 1 count of Sex Abuse 2nd (misdemeanor) and 1 count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (misdemeanor).

State Police allege that he engaged in sexual acts with three different teenage boys at his residence over the past five years. State Police allege that Luce had contact with the victims from his participation as a parishioner in a Schoharie County religious organization. Luce would create opportunities to be alone with the victims and then engage them in various sexual activity. The victims ranged in age from 12 to 17 years old.

Luce was charged in the Town of Jefferson and is scheduled to reappear there on January 2, 2017.

Officials ask that anyone who feels they may have information regarding Mr. Luce, additional victims, or who may have been a victim to call State Police at 518-630-1712.