Richard Nielens Jr., a former supervisor for the town of Mentz, is facing charges related to a child sex crime. The 65-year-old, also a former member of the Mentz Town Board, has been charged with disseminating indecent material to minors, a class D felony, and endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor. Nielens appeared in Cayuga County Court, where discussions of a plea agreement with prosecutors are ongoing.
During a court conference with Judge Thomas Leone, both the prosecution and Nielens’ defense attorney expressed hope for reaching a plea agreement soon. The case, which has garnered attention due to Nielens’ previous role in local government, is set to continue with a follow-up court appearance scheduled for March 21.
Nielens, who served as town supervisor from 2016 to 2021 and was a board member for 12 years, was arrested in December. The case remains pending, with further details withheld by the Cayuga County District Attorney’s office.
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