Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji promised “accountability” at Wednesday’s town board meeting as he addressed residents’ and officials’ concerns over two recent child sex abuse cases that have shaken the Saugerties community.
“We want to make sure future cases and complaints are not shuffled under the rug or papered over,” Nneji said. “The children matter too much.”
In July, former Saugerties police officer Sydney Mills was indicted on felony charges of sexually abusing a girl between the ages of 14 and 15. Later that month, authorities indicted Reid Kappler, a former Saugerties Central School District wrestling coach, on 18 counts of felony rape stemming from alleged sexual contact with two students he coached from 2023 to 2024. The students were 15 and 16 at the time.
A third case was resolved in February when former Saugerties police officer Dion Johnson admitted to forcing himself on one woman and harassing two others as part of a plea deal to avoid jail time. The allegations dated to 2020.
Nneji praised the Saugerties Police Department and Chief Ken Swart for their handling of the Mills investigation. He urged Saugerties school officials to strictly follow reporting protocols for abuse allegations, saying conversations with residents made clear the problem stretches back decades.
“Residents have talked to me about allegations of abuse from 20 to 30 years ago and nothing was done,” Nneji said, noting that statutes of limitation on those cases have expired.
He said current district leaders have pledged cooperation but warned his office will pursue charges against any official who fails to report future allegations.
“Any school official who receives information about sex abuse of a child and doesn’t report it should be held accountable,” he said.
Town board member Zach Horton said the issue of accountability is central to the community’s recovery.
“Parents need accountability,” Horton said, adding that the allegations have created a “disconnect” between the school and town board. “I don’t see how the community can rebound without accountability.”
Nneji declined to say whether any school officials could face charges for failing to report in the current cases, citing ongoing investigations.
Earlier this month, the district sent a letter to families outlining new protocols, including anonymous reporting systems, additional training and review for coaches, and new parent workshops.
Superintendent Daniel Erceg said he supports stronger reporting measures.
“There are staff that are mandated reporters and there are processes that should be followed,” he said.
He also acknowledged the frustration of residents and town officials.
“I am the school superintendent. So, ultimately, I am responsible for everyone in the district,” Erceg said.
Jim Rich is a reporter for The Overlook. You can reach him at jim@theoverlooknews.com.
