Legislator Michael Kelsey back in court

PIERREPONT, N.Y. — Dutchess County Legislator Michael Kelsey (R-25) returned to the Town of Pierrepont Court on Monday, June 15. He was there to answer charges of felony first-degree sexual abuse and two misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child. 

Kelsey, a Salt Point resident and attorney by trade, pleaded not guilty to the charges when arrested on Dec. 15. The case stems from reports that he sexually molested two 15-year-old Boy Scouts in August of 2014.

Kelsey was then leader of the Fishkill Boy Scout Troop 95 Venture Patrol. The incident allegedly occurred during a camping trip in the Cranberry Lake area of St. Lawrence County.

Throughout the ordeal Kelsey has remained active. Though he missed the Legislature’s first meeting of the year, he did make the Jan. 22 meeting and appear at subsequent meetings; he has also attended local town board meetings to present his monthly legislative reports. Kelsey represents the towns of Amenia and Washington, and parts of Pleasant Valley.

During Monday’s court appearance, $1,500 of Kelsey’s $2,500 bail was returned to him, according to reports in the local press. That was the only action taken, aside from his next court appearance being set for Monday, Aug. 17.

Past reports that Kelsey was seeking a plea deal have been discounted. On Feb. 17 Kelsey responded to an email from The Millerton News which requested confirmation of whether he had sought a plea deal.

“I entered a plea of not guilty in December; the plea remains the same today,” he stated at that time.

As far as his service in the Legislature, Kelsey is not under any obligation to resign. That could change if the case ends up with a felony conviction.

Meanwhile, Kelsey has announced through his attorney’s office that he has decided to run for re-election.