AFTON – A joint investigation with New York State Police Investigators at Sidney and Investigators at Binghamton has led to the arrest of a 32-year-old man from Chenango County.  

Troopers received a report on April 15, 2022, of inappropriate behavior involving  James D. Blackman  of Afton, NY and children.  

An investigation subsequently revealed that Blackman raped and sexually abused two children under the age of 11 on multiple occasions in Chenango County.  

On April 28, 2022, New York State Police arrested Blackman.   He was charged with the following:
• Two counts of Predatory Sex Assault Against a Child, a class “A” felony  
• Four counts of Criminal Sex Act in the First Degree, a class “B” felony
• Two counts of Sex Abuse in the first degree
• Two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a misdemeanor

Blackman was arraigned and remanded to the Chenango County jail.

If you are concerned that a child is being abused, the NY State Police are ready to help.  Please report any incidents no matter what your role is - parent, family member, coach, teacher or religious leader.

– From the New York State Police