Two Schuyler County men have been sentenced to state prison in unrelated felony cases involving arson and the use of counterfeit currency.
Ryan D. Alverson, 47, of Watkins Glen, was sentenced March 26 to 3 to 9 years in state prison after pleading guilty to third-degree arson earlier this year.
Prosecutors said the charge stems from an August 2025 incident in which Alverson intentionally set a fire that damaged a residence, as well as a separate fire that damaged a vehicle. Multiple people were inside the home at the time, but no injuries were reported. The case was investigated by the Watkins Glen Police Department with assistance from the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office and the county fire coordinator.
In a separate case, John A. Chaffee, 38, of Newfield, was sentenced to 1.5 to 3 years in state prison after pleading guilty to attempted criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree.
Authorities said Chaffee attempted to use a counterfeit $100 bill at a Dollar General store in Montour Falls in November 2024. He was sentenced as a second felony offender.
Both cases were prosecuted by the Schuyler County District Attorney’s Office.
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