OBITUARIES: DeConti, Gherardi, Williams

By DIANE VALDEN

HUDSON—A Brookwood Secure Center psychologist who police reports show used her position to sexually assault patients under her care has been indicted, according to an April 15 press release from Columbia County District Attorney Chris Liberati-Conant.

Brookwood Secure Center for Youth, 419 Spook Rock Road (County Road 29), Claverack, serves “male and female juvenile offenders and adolescent offenders who, while younger than 16, committed certain violent felonies and were convicted and sentenced in adult criminal court or via family court as part of Raise the Age legislation. Depending upon the sentence, youth may remain in Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) custody up to age 21,” according to the website: https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/rehab/facilities/brookwood.php.

Maya Hayes, 46, of Albany was indicted by a Columbia County Grand Jury April 9 and arraigned April 12 in front of County Judge Brian Herman on 62 counts of third degree criminal sexual act and three counts of third degree rape, all class E felonies. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 1 1/3 to 4 years, Chief Assistant District Attorney Cheryl Botts said in the release. The counts can run consecutively.

The investigation revealed there are currently eight victims ranging in age from 16 to 18. Officials became aware of the case following the discovery of contraband at the facility. The investigation showed that the offenses took place between 2020 and late 2022. Dr. Hayes was originally placed on unpaid leave then received paid leave while the lengthy investigation was ongoing, said ADA Botts, who leads the investigation on this case for the DA’s Office.

Dr. Hayes was released April 12 under the supervision of the Columbia County Probation Department and is expected to return to court July 12. The New York State Police, New York Office of Children and Family Services, and the New York Justice Center were all involved in this investigation. Dr. Hayes is represented by the Albany firm of O’Brien & Eggleston.

“The children housed at Brookwood deserve to be housed in a safe environment without being sexually assaulted by staff. Unfortunately, Dr. Hayes took advantage of her position of trust and authority to sexually assault multiple minors in her care over the course of several years. We look forward to bringing this case to trial before a jury of the People of Columbia County and to achieving justice for the victims,” DA Liberati-Conant said in the release.

“Upon coming into office and reviewing the status of this investigation which had been pending for a year, we made this a priority. We want to thank the Justice Center and the New York State Police for their hard work, which allowed us to present a strong case to the Grand Jury and begin to get justice for the victims,” ADA Botts said.

Threat at church Mass

Hudson City Police arrested Cameron A. Jamieson, 47, of Hillsdale in connection with making a threat at St. Mary’s Church, East Allen and East Court streets, Hudson, during Sunday morning Mass, April 14.

Mr. Jamieson was charged pursuant to an active felony arrest warrant issued by the City of Hudson Court, April 15. He faces one count of making a terroristic threat, a class D felony.

The events leading to Mr. Jamieson’s arrest unfolded April 14 at 9:38 a.m., when Hudson Police received multiple calls from members of St. Mary’s Church reporting an emergency situation involving an unidentified individual within the premises.

Witnesses recounted that an individual wearing a mask and a long black cloak disrupted the Sunday Mass service by shouting “All hail” towards the congregation and church officials. This individual proceeded to advance down the center aisle towards the church’s front altar, brandishing a glass bottle raised above his head, police said. Prompt action by several church members resulted in the apprehension and detainment of the individual before law enforcement arrived at the scene. The individual, identified as Mr. Jamieson was subsequently handed over to HPD custody. The alarming nature of Mr. Jamieson’s conduct left many congregants fearful and apprehensive, with concerns raised about the potential presence of an explosive device or firearm, police said. Following his apprehension, HPD transported Mr. Jamieson to Columbia Memorial Hospital for a mental health evaluation.

Following his discharge from the hospital, he was taken into custody by HPD and taken for processing and arraignment. Mr. Jamieson appeared before Judge Cheryl Roberts in Hudson City Court for arraignment, where he was sent to Columbia County Jail in lieu of $3,000 cash bail or bond. He is scheduled to return to Hudson City Court at a later date.

“We empathize with the members of our community impacted by this incident. We recognize the distress it has caused and are dedicated to swiftly addressing their concerns. We extend our sincere gratitude to the church members for their quick thinking and bravery in stepping in to assist before law enforcement arrived. Rest assured, we are committed to providing a swift and thorough response to ensure the security of all residents. There will be an increased police presence near St. Mary’s Church to offer reassurance and support during this time of heightened concern,” Hudson Police Chief Mishanda Franklin said in a press release.

Tobacco

The Columbia County Department of Health reported in an April 9 press release that Hudson Quick Stop Corp, a tobacco retailer at 505 Fairview Avenue, Hudson was charged with one violation of Article 13-F, March 22. The Article pertains to the “Regulation of Tobacco Products, Herbal Cigarettes and Smoking Paraphernalia; Distribution to Minors” Section 1399-CC; of the Public Health Law, State of New York in the first quarter of 2024 (January 1 to March 31, 2024).

To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@columbiapaper.com.

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