Dundee Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Crime, Faces 10-Year Prison Sentence

Penn Yan, N.Y. — A Dundee man has admitted to committing a violent sex crime against children and will spend the next decade in state prison, Yates County officials confirmed this week.

According to District Attorney Todd Casella, Ronald Chilson pleaded guilty on September 2 to first-degree Criminal Sexual Act, a Class B violent felony. The plea resolves all charges against him.

Under the agreement, Chilson will receive a sentence of 10 years in a New York State Correctional Facility, followed by 20 years of post-release supervision. He will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA), and the court will issue permanent orders of protection on behalf of the victims. His formal sentencing is scheduled for October 22 in Yates County Court.

Origins of the Case

The investigation into Chilson began in May 2023 when a child disclosed abuse during a forensic interview at the Child Advocacy Center (CAC). Forensic interviews are conducted in child-friendly environments by specially trained professionals, ensuring children are able to share information safely while minimizing trauma.

Following the initial disclosure, two more victims came forward, each providing testimony before a Yates County grand jury. Their accounts led to a series of indictments against Chilson.

Arrest and Charges

In August 2024, Chilson was arrested by the New York State Police and charged with predatory sexual assault against a child under 13, a Class A felony that carries the potential for a life sentence. That charge was later resolved through the plea agreement, which secured a conviction on the Class B felony while sparing the victims the stress of a prolonged trial.

District Attorney Casella said the plea deal ensured accountability while avoiding the possibility of retraumatizing victims through court testimony.

“This case underscores the importance of our Child Advocacy Center and the bravery of the victims who stepped forward,” Casella said. “Their courage, combined with the efforts of investigators and prosecutors, made this outcome possible. The plea guarantees that Mr. Chilson will be incarcerated for a substantial period and will remain under strict supervision after his release.”

Connection to Foster Care

At the time of the abuse, Chilson and his family were listed as operating a “therapeutic” foster home through Pathways, a social services agency. Casella noted, however, that no foster children had been placed in the Chilsons’ Yates County home for more than a decade. The agency has not been implicated in the case.

The revelation nonetheless raised concerns in the community, particularly regarding oversight of individuals with prior foster care involvement. Officials stressed that there was no evidence foster children were among Chilson’s victims.

Sentencing Details

Chilson’s sentencing on October 22 will formally impose the following conditions:

• 10 years in state prison

• 20 years of post-release supervision

• Mandatory registration as a sex offender under SORA

• Permanent orders of protection for the victims

Under New York law, a conviction for a Class B violent felony such as Criminal Sexual Act in the first degree typically carries a sentencing range of five to 25 years in prison. Casella said the 10-year sentence reflects the strength of the evidence, the number of victims, and the goal of securing justice without forcing young victims through additional court proceedings.

Community Response

The case has reverberated throughout Yates County, particularly in Dundee, where Chilson had long resided. Residents expressed a mix of shock and relief at the guilty plea, with many praising the victims for coming forward and the DA’s office for pursuing the case.

“It’s horrifying to think about what those kids went through,” one community member said. “But I’m glad they found the courage to speak up, and I hope they can begin to heal knowing he won’t be able to hurt anyone else.”

Advocates for child safety also noted the critical role played by the Child Advocacy Center in uncovering abuse that might otherwise have gone unreported.

Looking Ahead

While Chilson’s guilty plea resolves the criminal case, Casella emphasized that the impact of his crimes will be felt for years.

“No sentence can undo the harm caused,” Casella said. “But we hope that today’s outcome brings some measure of justice and closure to the victims and their families.”

Chilson remains in custody at the Yates County Jail and will be transferred to a New York State Correctional Facility following his October sentencing.