Broome Man Accused Of Making 48 False Abuse Reports

A Whitney Point man was sent to jail after he was arrested in connection with several dozen bogus child abuse reports.

Authorities say 43-year-old Harry Clauson Sr. of Route 79 faces 48 counts of making false child abuse reports. He also was charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

Investigators say the reports to the state Child Abuse Hotline were made over a five-month period starting last September.

The reports alleged "substantially violent acts against minor children" or having occurred in the presence of children.

Each report prompted investigations by the Broome County Child Protective Services unit, the state police or the sheriff's department. The bogus claims exposed children to sensitive interviews and examinations.

According to state police, most of the reports were made anonymously, although some included names of people without their knowledge.

Clauson was arraigned in Chenango town court and sent to Broome County Jail on $1,000 bail.