SEWARD — A Seward man was arrested Friday for allegedly forcibly touching a child under the age of 16, State Police said.
Joseph Hemmes, 39, was charged with forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child.
State Police began investigating on March 11 after receiving information about a past sexual assault of a child.
Investigators determined Hemmes allegedly inappropriately touched a child under 16 during summer 2024 at a residence in Seward.
Further investigation revealed Hemmes is a level 2 registered sex offender with a previous conviction for sexual assault against children.
Hemmes was processed at the State Police barracks in Cobleskill and transported to Schoharie County Correctional Facility, where he is being held pending arraignment in Schoharie County Centralized Part Court.
