Saratoga County District Attorney Karen A. Heggen reports that late Wednesday, September 25, 2024, a Saratoga County Court trial jury convicted Michael Pelletier of Moreau, NY of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, in violation of New York Penal Law Section 130.50(1), a “Class B” violent felony; Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, in violation of New York Penal Law Section 130.65(1), a “Class D” violent felony; Assault in the Second Degree, in violation of New York Penal Law Section 120.05(6), a “Class D” violent felony; Assault in the Third Degree, in violation of New York Penal Law Section 120.00(1), a “Class A” Misdemeanor; and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of New York Penal Law Section 260.10(1), a “Class A” misdemeanor. This physical and sexual assault stems from an incident on June 24, 2023, on Selfridge Road in the Town of Moreau.
The trial commenced on September 9, 2024, and concluded yesterday with the jury’s verdict. During the course of the three-week trial, evidence was presented regarding the actions and conduct of Defendant Michael Pelletier. The Defendant violently assaulted a 32-year-old female, physically and sexually, inside his home with children present. The Defendant’s conduct caused physical injury to the victim all over her body. The victim was subsequently treated at Saratoga Hospital for her injuries.
Pelletier faces up to twenty-five (25) years in State Prison on the Criminal Sexual Act conviction and designation as a Sex Offender; sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2024.
District Attorney Heggen thanked all those involved: “This verdict demonstrates that victims of sexual assault will be heard and believed in the furtherance of justice. This victim is a survivor and should be commended for coming forward and enduring the difficult process of reporting and testifying in court to ensure that justice was achieved.”
The investigation was conducted by the Saratoga Springs Police Department and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Rachael Phelan and Assistant District Attorney Kayla Potter of the Special Victim’s Unit together with District Attorney’s Office Investigator Jack Barney. ADA Phelan echoed the sentiments of DA Heggen in commending the strength of the victim to “not only come forward with painful details of the assault, but to also endure testifying in a lengthy trial.”
DATED: September 26, 2024