SHERIFF’S OFFICE ARRESTS CLIFTON PARK MAN FOR
CRIMINAL SEXUAL ACT
Ghent, NY- Sheriff David P. Bartlett reports that the Sheriff’s Office arrested a Clifton Park man on July 25, 2019 at approximately 11:11pm and charged him with Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.
On June 4, 2019, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into a reported sexual offense that occurred in the Town of Ghent in 2008 after the victim reported the abuse to Deputy Sheriff Ryen Boehme. The victim was less than 11 years old at the time of the incident.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit began the investigation, which resulted in the arrest of 58 year old Michael Bradford of Clifton Park, NY. He was charged with one count of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, a Class B Felony and one count of Sexual Abuse in the first degree, a Class D Felony.
Senior Investigator Mark Dunspaugh prepared an arrest warrant that was signed by Town of Ghent Judge Michael Bruno. The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office was contacted and asked to assist in the arrest. Mr. Bradford was arrested by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office on the arrest warrant and later turned over to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Mr. Bradford was arraigned before Town of Claverack Judge Michael Brandon and was remanded to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail/$100,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear back in court on July 29, 2019.
This arrest was made in cooperation with the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation is continuing and if there are any other potential victims, please contact Senior Investigator Mark Dunspaugh at 518-828-3344.