Yates County District Attorney Todd Casella and Sheriff Frank Ryan addressed the public on Thursday following a New York Times report on a mishandled rape investigation within the Sheriff’s Office.
The article revealed that Investigator Megan Morehouse failed to pursue a rape case involving a teenage victim and her foster father, Ronald Chilson. The Dundee man is already serving time in prison for sexually abusing minors and has been indicted four times for four separate victims (see below). The Times article, published Monday, stated Morehouse dismissed the victim’s account and never followed through on search warrants or other investigative steps. The victim was sent back to her foster home, where the sexual assaults continued.
Both DA Casella and Sheriff Ryan emphasized accountability, transparency, and ongoing reforms in law enforcement practices.
DA Casella Clarifies Timeline and Context
Casella stressed that the conduct of Investigator Megan Morehouse, who failed to investigate the case properly, was “unforgivable” and called it “the single worst instance of police misconduct” he has seen.
“Ron Chilson has been convicted and sentenced for the heinous crimes that he committed—the same crimes she refused to investigate,” Casella said.
He explained that his personnel complaint against Morehouse was filed in 2023 under the previous sheriff’s administration, before Sheriff Ryan took office. Weeks of inaction followed, and due to union protections and administrative negligence, the complaint was ultimately handled ineffectively.
“I stand by my statements that she should not be a police officer, but that was not a possible outcome because of the untimely manner that my complaint was handled,” Casella said.
Casella also praised Sheriff Ryan for his commitment to openness and collaboration. The two officials have been working together to improve law enforcement practices, officer training, and operational efficiency. Sheriff Ryan took over as Yates County Sheriff in January 2024 after Ron Spike retired at the end of 2023 after a 52-year career in law enforcement, including serving in the role of Sheriff since 1992.
“This provided an opportunity for a new sheriff to look back at what went wrong and to take positive steps to make sure it never happens again,” Casella said.
The offices are exploring a statewide pilot program through the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. If selected, Yates County would develop a coordinated community response task force with the District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Department of Social Services, Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes, and the Child Advocacy Center. Casella said that even if the county is not chosen, the task force will still be established to target sexual abuse and domestic violence cases with specialized training.
Sheriff Ryan Highlights Reforms and Collaboration
Sheriff Ryan echoed Casella’s commitment to reform and accountability. He highlighted the partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and the DA’s Office as essential for investigating and prosecuting criminal cases.
“District Attorney Casella and I have met on numerous occasions to discuss cases, improve officer training, and develop operational efficiencies,” Ryan said.
Ryan noted that officers are encouraged to consult the DA’s Office on major cases, including charge decisions and court preparation. He also spoke about ongoing efforts to improve responses to domestic violence and child abuse, including the potential pilot program with the state.
“We want to improve our services and the impact those services have on victims,” Ryan said.
He stressed that all officer conduct is taken seriously, with thorough investigations and a progressive discipline system in place when needed. Ryan acknowledged that law enforcement discipline differs from the private sector due to union contracts and civil service regulations, but emphasized that accountability remains a top priority.
“Our officers represent our agency, our county, and ourselves, and we take that very seriously,” he said.
Commitment to Transparency
Both officials underscored that the NYT report did not fully reflect the reforms and cooperation in the county since Ryan took office.
“We want to assure the public that we are working toward a fully transparent, professional law enforcement agency,” Ryan said.
Casella added that he has full confidence in Sheriff Ryan’s administration to investigate crimes effectively, protect the public, and handle personnel complaints appropriately.
“I support Sheriff Frank Ryan and his commitment to this community,” Casella said.
Together, the two offices stated that they will continue to work together to enhance training, improve services to victims, and maintain high standards of professionalism in law enforcement.
Previous stories about Chilson:
Dundee Man Indicted on Fourth Charge of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child
Yates County Foster Parent Indicted for Second Time on Sex Abuse Charges
The Yates County District Attorney’s Office urges anyone with information about child abuse to come forward. In emergencies, call 911. To report suspected abuse or neglect anonymously, contact the New York State Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720, available 24/7.
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