Twelve area men facing charges after undercover investigation revealed men engaging in sexual acts in park

Twelve men are facing numerous charges tonight after reportedly engaging in sexual acts and exposing themselves in public.

The Utica Police say this is nothing new for the city, even at Roscoe Conkling Park where this was happening.

But, over within the last month or so, more people have been complaining about men in the woods who would accost runners and walkers passing by.

"That's well traveled with bicyclists, dog walkers and people jogging. The switchbacks are up there," explained Sgt. Steve Hauck of the Utica Police Department.

Over the past few weeks, the Utica Police has gone undercover after receiving numerous complaints about men engaging in sexual acts in Roscoe Conkling Park.

"As he was walking through the area, several men accosted him and sometimes physically grabbing him and sometimes exposing themselves in a sexual way," said Sgt. Hauck.

The investigation led to twelve men, ranging in age from the late forties to late seventies.

One city worker, Miguel Ruiz says he isn't surprised.

"I see a lot of activities. They park their cars and they take turns going into the woods. They are not shy. They'll do it in front of anybody," explained Ruiz, the Parks Dept. employee.

Ruiz says there may be more people involved than just the dozen facing charges, and thinks the recent arrests will only stop the lewd acts temporarily.

One New Hartford resident says he hopes the mayor and other officials can clean up the area.

"It's a shame it's happening in our backyards. That's where our kids and families are supposed to play. Instead you have those things going on. It's too bad," said Mike Palmisano.

Officials found several items used during sexual acts as well as blankets and clothes.

And although the arrests have the community talking, Utica Police say sexual orientation doesn't play a factor into the charges.

"This activit, It wouldn't matter if it was a couple or single men or women. The point is that it was done in public and infringing on other people's rights," said Sgt. Hauck.

Many of the sexual acts were happening on the roadway, trails and woods in the park.

The Utica Police say it's tough to tell if more are involved in this crime.