In Cayuga County Court, a former Auburn police officer, William Morrissey III, was sentenced to two years in state prison for sexually abusing a minor. Morrissey, 34, who served as a school resource officer at Auburn High School, faced charges including first-degree sexual abuse and disseminating indecent material to a minor.
The 16-year-old victim, who was a freshman when the abuse occurred, bravely confronted Morrissey in court, according to prosecutors. She described how he exploited her inexperience, causing lasting emotional trauma and distrust in adults.
Judge Thomas Leone, acknowledging Morrissey’s betrayal of trust as a former police officer, also sentenced him for misdemeanors, including endangering the welfare of a child and official misconduct. The sentences for these misdemeanors will merge with his state prison term.
The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office had arrested Morrissey following an investigation initiated by the Auburn Police Department. He was immediately suspended and later fired after an internal investigation confirmed his misconduct.
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