Ex-Mattydale, NY, Firefighter Charged with Sexually Assaulting Teen

Mattydale, N.Y. — Deputies are looking for other victims after arresting a former volunteer firefighter with the Mattydale Fire Department accused of a sexual act with a teenage boy.

Donald Bender Jr., 61, of Mattydale, was arrested Wednesday by the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office after an investigation that began in January, according to Thomas Newton, a sheriff’s spokesperson.

Bender is charged with third-degree criminal sexual act, a felony. He was booked into the county Justice Center on Wednesday, Newton said.

The arrest stems from allegations of a sexual encounter in late winter 2017 involving a boy who was 16. Investigators allege that other sexual encounters occurred with the teen earlier.

During that period, Bender volunteered extensively with the Mattydale Fire Department, where he frequently provided transportation to juvenile males involved in the department’s junior program, Newton said.

Given his access to youth through his volunteer work, investigators believe there may be more victims, Newton said.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Zachary Kogut with the Special Victims Unit at (315) 435-3092, ext. 305.

This story will be updated with more information when possible.

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