CANTON – Two Ogdensburg men were indicted by a St. Lawrence County grand jury Jan. 6 on first-degree sexual abuse charges.

Benjamin Reed, 29, and Ryan Fifield, 29, both of 60 Loafers Bluff Drive, Ogdensburg, were each indicted on one count of first-degree sexual abuse, one count of third-degree sexual abuse, and endangering the welfare of a child. 

It is alleged that between June and July 2023 in the Town of Lisbon, Reed subjected an individual to sexual contact when that person was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless with that person being less than 17 years old.

Court documents report that on or about Dec. 9, 2023, Fifield subjected another person less than 17 years old to sexual contact by forcible compulsion.

In other grand jury action on Jan. 6:

Nicholas Rubado, 40, 1 Smith St., Brasher Falls, was indicted on charges of third-degree arson, second-degree strangulation, second-degree assault, one count each of third-degree and fourth-degree criminal mischief, bribing a witness, and fourth-degree tampering with a witness.

It is alleged that on or about Sept. 10 in the Town of Brasher, Rubado, intentionally damaged a building or motor vehicle by starting a fire and causing an explosion. At that same time, Rubado is accused of impeding the normal breathing of a person by applying pressure on the throat or neck.

Mark A. Ramsey, 29, of 825 New York Ave., Ogdensburg, was indicted for second-degree strangulation, second-degree assault, first-degree criminal contempt, and second-degree burglary.

It is alleged that on or about Nov. 12 in the City of Ogdensburg, Ramsay impeded the normal breathing of a person by applying pressure on the throat or neck, violated an order of protection and knowingly unlawfully entered a building with the intent to commit a crime.

Jonathan Vercellotti, 22, of 59 Market St., Apt. 4, Potsdam, was indicted for second-degree strangulation. It is alleged that on or about Nov. 20 in the Village of Potsdam, Vercellotti impeded the normal breathing of a person by applying pressure on the throat or neck.

Richard Martin, 30, of 1393 County Route 36, Norfolk , was indicted on four counts of second-degree assault, two counts of second-degree menacing and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. It is alleged that on or about Aug. 1 or Aug. 2 in the Town of Louisville, Martin caused physical injury to a five-year-old child by means of a dangerous instrument.

Also charged in this alleged incident was Kelsey Dox-Clement, 26, of 33 Hough Road, Massena. She was indicted on two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. It alleged she acted in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental and moral welfare of a five-year-old child.

On Thursday, Jan. 9, an Ogdensburg man was indicted Thursday, Jan. 9 by a St. Lawrence County grand jury for allegedly damaging property of another person in an amount exceeding $250.

Stuart A. Seidel, 47, of 834 Foard St., Apt. 5, was indicted for third-degree criminal mischief. The alleged incident took place July 24 in the City of Ogdensburg.