A former town supervisor and long-time high school sports umpire has been sentenced for attempting to sexually exploit a minor.
On Monday, Clinton County District Attorney Andrew J. Wylie announced that William H. Chase, 68, of Merrill, had been sentenced to 90 days in jail and 10 years of felony probation. He must now register as a sexual offender.
Chase was arrested in February 2025 after arriving at the Best Western Plus in Plattsburgh, where he had planned to meet with a 13-year-old kid. The investigation discovered that Chase had emailed images of intimate parts of his body to the minor before traveling to the hotel. The “minor” was actually an undercover law enforcement operation.
On March 5, Chase, a retired correctional officer and active former church volunteer, pleaded guilty to all charges, including second-degree attempted rape and attempted publication of indecent information to a minor, leaving sentencing to the court’s discretion.
Prosecutors proposed a two-year state prison sentence in the New York State Department of Corrections.
Judge Keith M. Bruno imposed a 90-day jail term followed by ten years of felony probation, which included all necessary sex offender conditions and restrictions. The court also ordered a $1,000 fine, a $300 penalty, a $1,000 sex offender victim cost, a $50 DNA fee, and a $50 sex offender registration fee.
District Attorney Wylie stressed that the defendant’s past public position and long-standing involvement in child athletics made his actions especially concerning. He stated that, while the sentence was shorter than asked, it ensures responsibility and long-term supervision to protect the community.
The Clinton County District Attorney’s Office stated that it will continue to vigorously prosecute offenses involving child abuse and hold perpetrators completely accountable under New York law.
Jaime A. Douthat, Chief Assistant District Attorney, prosecuted this matter.
Jacob Painter defended the defendant.