Berlin Central School District
Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
A Cropseyville man is facing charges following a sexual exploitation investigation by the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit.
Justin K. Covell, 31, is being charged in connection with four separate incidents involving the sexual exploitation of four minors. In the Town of Petersburgh, Covell was charged with PL 260.10 (1) – Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A Misdemeanor), PL 263.16 – Possessing Sexual Performance by a Child (E Felony), PL 263.15 – Promote a Sexual Performance by a Child (D Felony), and PL 235.22 – Disseminate Indecent Material to Minors 1st Degree (D Felony). In the Town of Grafton, Covell was charged with two counts of 260.10 (1) – Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A Misdemeanor), and PL 235.22 – Disseminate Indecent Material to Minors 1st Degree (D Felony). In the Town of Stephentown, Covell was charged with PL 260.10 (1) – Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A Misdemeanor), following a four-month investigation into a complaint made against Covell.
Covell turned himself in to the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office without issue and was arraigned in the Town of Berlin Court on Thursday, January 9th in front of the Honorable Judge Donald Sweet where he was released to the Rensselaer County Probation Department and placed under electronic monitoring. A full stay-away order of protection was issued for the minor victims and their families. Additional court proceedings have been scheduled.
If you or someone you know has information related to this Press Release, please contact the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office at 518-270-0128.
