DNA’s a match – Investigators have charged masturbating Utica firefighter
Remember Richard Forte the Utica, New York firefighter who was the only one to refuse to provide a DNA sample after sperm was on a female firefighter’s pants? After a court ordered Forte supply the sample, investigators report it’s a match and Richard Forte has been arrested.
This is another in a long line of fire service SMACSS cases. This time it’s not “Social Media”, but Sexual Misconduct Assisted Career Suicide Syndrome. In this case, sexual harassment crossed over into the criminal side.
Richard Forte is accused of masturbating into a female coworker’s turnout gear while on duty Jan. 6 at the District Five firehouse on Van Rensselaer Avenue in Utica. The alleged incident occurred while the female firefighter was out on a call.
Forte is charged with the misdemeanors of fourth-degree criminal mischief and third-degree criminal tampering, and he’s also charged with writing a false statement on Jan. 8.
Jolene Cleaver, Observer-Dispatch:
“His not guilty plea should speak for itself,” said Forte’s attorney Anthony LaFache, after Thursday’s proceeding.
Forte was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to return to court May 21 for a pre-trial conference.
A stay-away order was put in place for the victim while the case is pending.
