Firefighter Arrested On Felony Child Sexual Abuse Charges

CIRCLEVILLE, NY — A Hudson Valley man in a position of trust has been accused of sexually preying on a vulnerable young person.

New York State Police announced the arrest of 21-year-old Clayton M. Petersen, of Circleville, a member of the Circleville Fire Department, after an investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse.

On November 28, members of the Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in Middletown, and the NYSP Orange County Child Abuse Unit, received a report alleging that Petersen had engaged in sexual contact with a child less than thirteen years of age.

After an investigation, Petersen was arrested and charged with two counts of felony predatory sexual assault against a child and two counts of misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child.

He was arraigned in Orange County Court and was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail.

Authorities are asking that anyone with additional information about this case contact the New York State Police at 845-344-5300.