From Columbia County D.A.'s Office:
D.A. CZAJKA ANNOUNCES ARRAIGNMENT
District Attorney Paul Czajka has announced that on September 30, 2019, Michael Lawrence, 71, of Austerlitz, New York was arraigned in County Court on Sealed Indictment number 19-032 charging him with the crimes of Course of Sexual Conduct in the First Degree, a Class B Felony.
Course of Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree, a Class D Felony.
Criminal Sex Act in the First Degree, a Class B Felony.
One hundred three (103) Counts of Predatory Sexual Assault, a Class A-II Felony.
One hundred three (103) Counts of Rape in the First Degree, a Class B Felony.
One hundred thirty (130) Counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D Felony.
Twenty-three (23) Counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D Felony.
and three (3) Counts of Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor.
Honorable Jonathan D. Nichols presiding. District Attorney Czajka commended New York State Police Investigator Robin Reed’s investigation.
By the indictment, the Grand Jury alleges that defendant, beginning in 2009, had sexual contact with three (3) children, the youngest of whom was eleven (11) years old.
The indictment alleges defendant’s conduct continued through 2013. The Public Defender represents Michael Lawrence. Michael Lawrence is presumed to be innocent unless and until the People can prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to all twelve (12) of twelve (12) jurors.