by Martha E. Conway
(Sullivan – April 9, 2016) A 75-year-old Sullivan man is being held on $150,000 cash bail or $250,000 bail bond after being charged late this morning with numerous sex-related offenses in connection with the alleged abuse of two young females.
According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, sheriff’s investigators with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations Unit and state police Computer Forensic Investigations Unit executed a search warrant March 16 on the home of Dominick Lozipone of Brownell Road, Sullivan.
An ongoing criminal investigation involving two victims led to the warrant activity. According to Undersheriff John Ball, the younger victim was referred through the Madison County Child Advocacy Center and was the first to disclose the incidents that were the basis for the investigation, discovery of a second victim and subsequent warrant.
Police say these two females described being sexually abused by Lozipone when they were between the ages of about 8 and 16 years old; they also reported the suspect photographed or video recorded the abuse.
During the course of the crimes the suspect had photographed both victims nude, making them pose provocatively.
One of the victims is now 22.
Lozipone was charged with predatory sexual assault against a child, a class A-II felony; two counts of first-degree rape, a class B felony; first-degree sex abuse, a class D felony; possession of a sexual performance by a child, a class E felony; and forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor.
Lozipone was arraigned by Hon. Herbert Kissel in Lincoln Town Court and remanded to the Madison County Jail in lieu of $150,000 cash bail or $250,000 bond.
“We believe there are more victims based on the evidence obtained during the investigation,” Ball said, adding that investigators don’t know exactly how many more or their identities.
He said police hope that those who may have come into contact with Lozipone will talk to their family members to make sure they weren’t harmed.
Anyone who may be a victim of Lozipone is asked to contact Inv. Josh Paul or Sgt. Julie Netzband at 315.366.2311 or to call the confidential tip line at 315.366.2429 or by visiting www.madisoncountysheriff.us and clicking on the “Report Crime/Drug Tip” link from the homepage.
Madison County Sheriff’s Computers Crimes Unit, the Madison County Child Advocacy Center, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (Syracuse Office), state police Computer Forensic Investigations Unit and Madison County Child Protective Services assisted in this investigation.
The investigation continues.
Martha E. Conway is vice president of M3P Media, LLC, and publisher of the Madison County Courier.