Westmoreland residents concerned after six people charged in connection with sexual assault
-->By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: January 17, 2013
People are talking tonight after six people were charged in connection with a sexual assault in the Town of Westmoreland.
The reported crime happened at a home on Shed Road. Neighbors say over the past few years there have been at least a half dozen times they've seen police officers down at that house to break up parties and to answer to domestic disputes.
One resident says he's concerned for the safety of his children.
"Our 12 year old rides the bus with the 16 years old. What is the school going to do? Are they going to make it safe? What is going to happen? The individual is still riding the bus."
One of the five suspects charged with sexual misconduct is a 16-year-old student.
A neighbor who wishes to remain anonymous says he plans on watching his daughter get on and off the school bus now.
The 16-year old and the other suspects are accused of sexually assaulting a minor at an underage house party back in December.
"Kids talk, rumors spread. This was spread around the Westmoreland school like a wildfire the next day. Everyone knew what happened," said Chief Deputy Dean Obernesser of the Oneida Co. Child Advocacy Center.
Chief Obernesser says they received numerous calls from parents of the community.
After a month-long investigation, five suspects ages ranging from 16 to 20-years-old are facing charges as well as one of the suspect's mother who is accused of collecting money from minors to buy the alcohol.
"These individuals for what they did. It's horrible, if it's true. But as a parent, no way. I never would buy alcohol for those kids."
The suspects are scheduled for an appearance in court on January 23rd in the Town of Westmoreland.
