PHILMONT – A Claverack man was arrested and charged by Columbia County Sheriff’s personnel with sexual abuse in the first degree, a felony.

John Race, Jr., 23, is charged with forcibly touching the private area of the child while at a residence in Philmont in late June, then threatening her with physical harm if she told anyone about the incident.

The investigation was initiated by Sergeant Michael Merante on August 3rd after the victim’s father contacted the Sheriff’s Office.    

Race was arrested, arraigned and remanded to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

Sheriff David Harrison, Jr. is asking that anyone who may have information about similar activity by Race, contact the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Branch at 518-828-4316.