Saranac Lake man accused of exploiting child

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August 18, 2010

By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG Staff Writer The Press Republican Wed Aug 18, 2010, 11:01 AM EDT

SARANAC LAKE — Authorities believe a Saranac Lake man sexually abused a young girl and then threatened her to not disclose details of the crime.

Steven G. Northrop was arrested following an extensive investigation by Saranac Lake Village Police and Franklin County Child Protective Services.

Saranac Lake Police said Wednesday that the 62-year-old exposed himself to the girl earlier this year while she was watching TV inside his apartment.

During the alleged encounter, police said, Northrop kissed and fondled the 10-year-old several times.

He allegedly refused to let the girl leave his residence and then threatened her not to tell anyone about what happened.

At the onset of the investigation in early June, Northrop was charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

But, police said, a further probe of the allegations led them to lodge additional charges of attempted first-degree criminal sex act, three counts of first-degree sex abuse and four counts of second-degree unlawful imprisonment.

He was also charged with three misdemeanor counts of forcible touching and two more counts of child endangerment.

After being arrested on a warrant last week, Northrop was sent to Franklin County Jail on $25,000 bail or $50,000 bond.

He will reappear in court later this month to face the allegations.

E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at: avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com