OGDENSBURG – Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) has called on the state’s attorney general to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of abuse at the former Ivy Ridge Academy which were brought to light by a recent Netflix documentary made by former students.

The documentary details numerous alleged abuses carried out at the Academy at Ivy Ridge near Ogdensburg between 2001 to 2009.

Gray issued a brief statement following a meeting with the attorney general’s office, where he outlined his objectives for the investigation.

Gray said he was assured this is a high priority. 

“We’ve heard directly from numerous people, including members of our community, and it’s evident urgent action is required. To effectively address these concerns, we must establish clear objectives. My aim is not only to have the truth uncovered but also to encourage unity and healing within our community. Through a comprehensive and transparent investigation, we can implement safeguards to prevent similar injustices and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation,” Gray affirmed.

Gray has delineated the following objectives he will advocate for in the proposed investigation:

• Identify and halt any ongoing operations by those perpetrating this misconduct, especially the principals; 
• Pursue justice within the confines of the law;
• Ensure the exoneration of individuals wrongly associated with alleged wrongdoing;
• Facilitate community restoration and healing;
• Extract lessons to prevent future occurrences of abuse; 
• Provide redress, especially for educational purposes.

“With these objectives guiding my advocacy, we aim to bring closure to our community and meet the needs of the young adults affected by this situation. It’s imperative to recognize this process cannot be hurried. The judicial system demands thoroughness and diligence. We must allow the justice system the time it needs to navigate through this complex issue. Our community’s identity is not defined by these events, and we are committed to preventing them from tearing us apart.”

“The state of New York bears the responsibility of rectifying the injustices faced by those who attended the school and were denied a fair education. It’s time to provide these individuals with the opportunities they were deprived of and guide them back on the path to success, and I appreciate the attorney general recognizing the needs of the victims, the community and all involved,” Gray concluded.

At a recent press conference  St. Lawrence County Sheriff Rick Engle and St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua have asked anyone who believes a crime was committed against them at Ivy Ridge to come forward. 

Conversely, they’ve asked those who do not have first hand knowledge to refrain from calling. They’ve also asked people to allow police time to investigate and to refrain from committing criminal acts such as harassing or threatening former employees.

Many former employees at Ivy Ridge have been facing harassment following the release of the documentary.

There have also been reports that some former employees of Ivy Ridge who hold jobs at state facilities have been placed on administrative leave and at least one coach at the local school district was not brought back following the end of the basketball season.