Coxsackie man, 86, awaits trial on child sex charges

COXSACKIE―An 86-year-old Coxsackie man arrested last December following an investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse remains in the Greene County Jail without bail as his case moves toward trial.

Thomas A. Bender was initially charged with first-degree sexual abuse, a class D felony, and endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor. Since then, additional charges of predatory sexual assault against a child and first-degree rape have been filed in connection with the investigation.

Bender pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the Greene County District Attorney’s Office, prosecutors are awaiting a decision from the court before a trial date can be scheduled.

The investigation began after State Police received a report alleging that Bender had engaged in sexual contact with a child younger than 11 years old.

Following an investigation by the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in Catskill, Bender was taken into custody and arraigned in Coxsackie Town Court, where he was ordered held without bail.

State Police were assisted in the investigation by the Greene County Child Advocacy Center.