D.A. CZAJKA ANNOUNCES SENTENCING
On January 4, 2019, the Hon. Richard M. Koweek sentenced Keith Benson, age 48, of New Lebanon, to fifteen (15) years to life incarceration with the New York State Department of Corrections upon his conviction of two (2) Counts of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child, and to fifteen years of incarceration, together with twenty (20) years of post-release supervision, upon his conviction of two (2) Counts of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the 1st Degree.
The Court issued a twenty-three (23) year Order of Protection in favor of the victim and imposed a fine of $1,425.00 upon the defendant. The defendant committed the crimes in the Town of New Lebanon. The New York State Police (Inv. Abdul Weed) investigated this matter and arrested Keith Benson. The Public Defender represents Keith Benson.
from Columbia County D.A's Office:
On October 22, 2018, Keith Benson was convicted by plea of one (1) Count of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child and two (2) Counts of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the 1st Degree, Honorable Richard M. Koweek presiding. The Court, by Decision and Order dated July 23, 2018, dismissed one Count of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child. The Court will sentence Keith Benson on January 4, 2019. The New York State Police investigated this matter and arrested Keith Benson. The Public Defender represents Keith Benson. (Indictment No. 18-013)
Original press release from March 2018
New Lebanon man arrested for predatory sexual assault against a child
NEW YORK STATE POLICE Major Robert C. GregoryTroop K Commander
PRESS RELEASE
New Lebanon, New York –
On March 13, 2018, the New York State Police from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Livingston arrested Keith D. Benson, age 47, of New Lebanon, for Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child, a class A-II felony, Criminal Sex Act in the 1st degree, a class B felony, three counts of Sexual Abuse in the 1st degree, all class D felonies, and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, all class A misdemeanors.
The State Police in conjunction with the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office, the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office, and the Pittsfield Police Department conducted an eight-month investigation which resulted in the arrest of Benson.
Three separate incidents were discovered in which Benson had inappropriate sexual contact with a child less that thirteen-years-old.Benson was arraigned before the town of Claverack Court and remanded to the Columbia County Jail without bail.
Benson’s next scheduled appearance at the town of New Lebanon Court is on March 22, 2018, at 4:00 p.m.