NORTH TONAWANDA — A 39-year-old North Tonawanda man faces misdemeanor charges following an investigation into the sexual abuse of a minor, authorities announced Monday.
David R. Fingerlow Jr. was arrested on March 17 after an investigation by the North Tonawanda Police Department’s Special Victims Unit.
Fingerlow has been charged with second-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child, both class A misdemeanors.
The investigation began in February when a counselor from the North Tonawanda City School District reported the alleged abuse to police.
The police department issued a statement expressing concern about articles published by what they described as a “less-than-credible media outlet” that allegedly revealed details about the juvenile victim.
According to police, these articles contain information that would only be known to the suspect and his defense team.
Authorities stated there is a “direct connection” between the suspect and what they termed “fake news” articles aimed at discrediting the victim.
The North Tonawanda Police Department said it will not release further information about the case, citing the active investigation and pending court proceedings.
