Saratoga Deputy Sheriff Charged with Criminal Sex Acts Against Children

BALLSTON SPA — A  40-year-old deputy sheriff employed with the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office is suspected of committing sexual offenses against two young women in the Town of Malta. 

The deputy, Steven E. Willetts, was charged with criminal sexual act in the first- degree, and sexual conduct against a child in the second-degree. Both charges are felonies. He was sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail, or bond. 

According to a statement issued by the county sheriff’s office, the charges stem from acts allegedly perpetrated against two young women in the Town of Malta. The Sheriff’s Office received a complaint Jan. 25, and Willetts was subsequently charged as a result of the investigation. 

Willetts is accused of engaging in oral sexual conduct with another person who was less than 11-years-old, and of engaging in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a child less than 13-years-old. The alleged incidents occurred over a period of time not less-than three months in duration, according to the statement. 

He was suspended without pay immediately. According to the sheriff’s office, the charges were not related to any official action and did not occur at a time when Willetts was working.