Community reacts to arrests at Roscoe Conkling Park
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: June 25, 2012
The arrests of 12 men charged with engaging in sexual acts at Roscoe Conkling Park in Utica has people talking.
The men were arrested on Saturday after the Utica Police Department received complaints about sexual activity.
The Special Operations Unit investigated the activity with a undercover officer.
Police say the undercover officer was approached by men exposing themselves and seeking sexual gratification.
One Parks Department employee tells Eyewitness News that this activity has been going on for quite some time.
"I see a lot of activities, they park the car and take turns going into the woods, they're not shy. They'll do it right in front of anybody," said Miguel Ruiz, a Parks Dept. Employee.
"It's just a shame that that's happening in our backyard. That's where kids are supposed to go and play, families are supposed to go in and enjoy themselves. Instead, you have that going on...it's too bad," said former Utica resident, Mike Palmisano.
Police say the reported crimes happened along the roadways, trails, and woods in the park.
They say these are all places that are well traveled.
The men were arrested on Saturday after the Utica Police Department received complaints about sexual activity.
The Special Operations Unit investigated the activity with a undercover officer.
Police say the undercover officer was approached by men exposing themselves and seeking sexual gratification.
One Parks Department employee tells Eyewitness News that this activity has been going on for quite some time.
"I see a lot of activities, they park the car and take turns going into the woods, they're not shy. They'll do it right in front of anybody," said Miguel Ruiz, a Parks Dept. Employee.
"It's just a shame that that's happening in our backyard. That's where kids are supposed to go and play, families are supposed to go in and enjoy themselves. Instead, you have that going on...it's too bad," said former Utica resident, Mike Palmisano.
Police say the reported crimes happened along the roadways, trails, and woods in the park.
They say these are all places that are well traveled.
