Police in Bath have arrested a village man on multiple felony sex-crime charges following a months-long investigation.
Authorities say Scott Watkins is charged with first-degree attempted rape, first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree criminal sex act, and two counts of second-degree unlawful surveillance.
Investigators say the case began with a report that a sexual offense occurred in August at Watkins’ home on East William Street. According to police, the investigation determined that Watkins subjected a girl under the age of 11 to multiple forms of sexual contact and attempted sexual intercourse while she was asleep as an overnight guest. Detectives also allege he secretly recorded several female victims under 11 using a hidden camera placed in a bedroom.
Watkins was booked and held for several hours before being released on $2,000 bail.
Police say the investigation is continuing, and additional charges are expected as forensic analysis of Watkins’ electronic devices moves forward.
The arrest was the result of a coordinated effort involving the Bath Police Department, Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, Hornell Police, the Steuben County District Attorney’s Office, Steuben County Child Protective Services, and the Child Advocacy Center.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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