A Cayuga County man is facing felony-level charges after deputies say he violated a court-issued order of protection during a late-night incident earlier this month.
The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office reported the arrest of 56-year-old Daniel J. Root, of Cato, following a domestic-related call that led investigators to determine he had contact with a protected individual inside his home.
According to authorities, deputies were dispatched around 10:12 p.m. on April 18 to a residence in the town of Cato for a reported violation of a full stay-away order of protection. A 911 caller indicated that the protected party was inside the home with Root at the time.
When deputies arrived, Root allegedly told them only he and a friend were present. As he made that claim, the protected party approached the door and identified herself, contradicting his statement, investigators said. Root was taken into custody at the scene.
He was charged with second-degree criminal contempt and aggravated family offense. Following processing, Root was transported to the Cayuga County Jail for arraignment.
During a CAP arraignment on April 19, bail was set at $25,000 cash or a $50,000 bond.
Authorities say the investigation established probable cause for the charges. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office.
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