ALBANY State Sen. Fred Akshar, then a captain in the Broome County Sheriffs Office, had intimate relations four years ago with the mother of a victim whose murder he had previously helped investigate. Bret Jaspers/WSKG But even then, I would question this because the nature of the relationship might be related to the fact that he was in a position of power and she was vulnerable. TheJuly 2014 lawsuit filed in state Supreme County of Broome County on behalf of Vicoria Pritzakis claims her ex-husband, Binghamton attorney PaulBattisti, contacted then-Sheriff's Capt. Learn More. Fetterman is an example of how one individual can have a big impact their entire community, said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. Check out whats on sale! "We didn't know about it, and he didn't testify (at the second trial). [12], In January 2019, The New York Times noted Akshar's frustration with the continuing push for transgender rights; when "State Senator Jessica Ramossaid lawmakers should go even further to help transgender New Yorkers," Akshar responded, "Jesus Christ! He did not provide examples. Starting salaries right off the street, are just under $45,000 a year, going up to just under $74,000 in year five. In 2017, a mid-level state appeals court overturned Powell's conviction and granted him a new trial, ruling that a juror had a conflict of interest and should have been excused. he is one of famous Politician with the age 42 years old group. But he also said he doesnt believe it is prohibited by the rule manual and the office never received a formal complaint. She received a raise the next month, bumping her salaryup to $52,000. on "Veterans honored by Vestal Elks Lodge". Sgt. And it's not the only time Akshar's personal relationships and public position have becomeentangled: Heis currently engaged to a Senate employeewhose salary more than doubled during her previous 2yearson his staff. Broome County Sheriff David Harder, who promoted Akshar to undersheriff in June 2015, said he was unaware of Akshar's involvement with Masciarelli until later in 2015, when he was alerted to a different social-media post that mentioned it. Born on in United States, Fred Akshar started his career as Politician . Sheriff Fred Akshar who has only been on the job for a month says he's hoping to address an issue plaguing correctional facilities across the state, a lack of staffing. I have been committed to Broome County and the safety of its residents for 29 years, Im in my 30th year. When Akshar started, Williams, now 31, was a part-time public affairs coordinator. This Senator is no longer serving in the New York State Senate. Akshar denied any wrongdoing and accused Masciarelli of engaging in an "attempted smear campaign". Surrounded by over 75 local elected leaders, sheriffs and supporters last week from across the Southern Tier region, New York State Senator Fred Akshar announced his plans to run for Broome County Sheriff in the 2022 General Election. Fettermans service in the U.S. Marine Corps and his service with many local Veterans organizations right here in our community.. By Matthew Benninger Published: Jan. 2, 2023 at 7:24 AM PST COLESVILLE (WBNG) -- The Broome County Sheriff's Office announced it charged Bradley A. We know that unemployment has risen, marijuana hospitalizations and teen suicide have risen as well as mental health rates. BINGHAMTON, NY State Senator Fred Akshar is leaving Albany at the end of his term in the hopes of returning to his roots in law enforcement. He released his Community FIRST plan, an acronym that stands for Fiscal responsibility, Integrated community policing, Responsible re-entry, Safety and security and Transparency. 62-38 is pretty good.. Akshars announcement sets up a possible primary contest with his former girlfriend of 13 years, Captain Kate Newcomb. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. Theres nothing against it in our policy or any other agencys policy, as far as I know., Masciarelli said she felt "shame and embarrassment" following the Turning Stone encounter and blamed herself "for so, so long. [11], Akshar was appointed chair of the Senate Republican Campaign Committee in December 2018, replacing Sen. Catharine Young. ", "At the end of the day, he was the captain of the Sheriffs Department," she said. Harder said he doesnt care for members of his department engaging in personal relationships with victims or their families. Through a spokesman, Akshar declined to be interviewed for this story. Requires the deposit, into the dedicated highway and bridge trust fund, of a portion of the sales tax collected on each gallon of motor fuel sold at retail and establishes a temporary fuel tax holiday; repealer. Your email address will not be published. I will continue to keep my focus on the people of the 52nd Senate District.. With his beloved wife June of 74 1/2 years, they raised a loving family of four children, 10 grand children and 16 great grand children. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Prosecutors said they did not believe they could meet their burden of proof in that case, but there was probable cause for Pritzakis' arrest. Eric Fetterman has devoted his time and attention here in our community to serving others and advocating on behalf of his fellow veterans, said Senator Fred Akshar, adding, His tireless dedication to serving others deserves to be celebrated. At that time, Akshar acknowledged having had a "brief, consensual relationship" with Mirella Masciarelli some years earlier. When Sheriff Harder announced his plans to retire at the end of his term, I searched my heart, we prayed, Jessica and I discussed this transition and we knew that this was an opportunity for me to better serve my community right here at home.. Republican candidate for Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar voted at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Endwell with his wife Jessica and son Freddie. Court papers say Akshar told Battisti to contact 911 dispatchers about the incident, then ask for a deputy to make a report. Akshar, who was at the time involved in Broome County Sheriff David Harder's re-election campaign, "was willing to join this plot" so Battisti, who was chairman of the Broome County Independence Party, would arrange for the party's endorsement of Harder, according to the lawsuit filed by Binghamton attorney Ronald Benjamin. Hegave no timetable Monday for when such a ruling would be made. The USA TODAY Network's Albany Bureau asked Akshar about his involvement with Masciarelli after she alluded to it in a lengthy Facebook post on March 20 that she deleted a day later. A spokesman for Akshar confirmed Monday that the Republican senator is in a relationship with Jessica Williams, who until last week was on Akshar's payroll as his director of administration. When asked if he would consider running for the position, he said he would leave politics for another time. Research agency divided on best ways to implement it, Third grade reading proficiency returns to pre-pandemic level at Binghamton schools, Construction on Binghamton's State Street wraps up in time for 'First Friday Art Walk'. On behalf of my wife and my three . In the since-deleted post, she accusedAkshar of being a "predator" who "takes advantage of people such as myself during my darkest times," though she did not get specific. That was of utmost importance to me., Sen. Akshar honors police killed in the line of duty. But the often-messy aftermath of a failed relationship or one-night encounter is why more employers across varyingindustries have taken to banning romantic relationships between employees and people they interact with professionally, he said. Provided photo. We have promised and pledged to the people a new day starting on January 1st in which we will deploy proven and principled leadership, he said. "In the event of any professional relationship turning personal, the appropriate steps would be taken to address this issue," he said. Heres why, Video: Akshar, "We need to end the stigma of heroin abuse.". As well as my campaign team, family and friends who supported me throughout the whole process., In a Wednesday statement to the Press & Sun-Bulletin / pressconnects, Akshar said he remain(s) hopeful for a productive transition in the coming months, pledging to work closely with his predecessor, the Broome County Legislature and County Executive to identify and address the immediate and long term needs of the agency and how it serves the community., He outlined plans to open a full audit into the Broome County Correctional Facilitys needs and procedures, as well as establishing consistent protocols regarding transparency, communication and the sharing of information with our community members and with the media going forward., 2022 Binghamton-Area Local Election Results, Donna Lupardo elected to 123rd District seat in NY Assembly over Sophia Resciniti, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Sheriff 'doesn't care for' officer-victim relationships. Provided photo. Among those present on Thursday were New York Assemblyman Joe Angelino (R-122), Binghamton Mayor Rich David, Binghamton Police Chief Joe Zikuski and chair of the Broome County Legislature Dan Reynolds. That came with another pay raiseto $62,500, which was less than the $80,000 Williams' predecessor had been making. Akshar is now engaged to Jessica Fiacco Williams, who was a direct member of his Senate staff from 2015 through mid-2018. Albanese, the Virginia Commonwealth professor, said Akshar's involvement with the mother of the murder victim would have discouraged prosecutors from putting him on the stand. [6] As a result, a special election was called in Senate District 52, and the Republican Party nominated Akshar (a political novice) to replace Libous. I'm not wasting any time because this issue of staffing the facility is so critically important not only for the men and women who are working there every day, but it is critically important to ensure that we're providing the services that we need to for the incarcerated individuals. Akshar, an Endwell Republican, acknowledged having a "brief, consensual relationship" with Mirella Masciarellithat he says happened sometime after a man was convicted in 2014 of killing two people, including her 24-year-old son, Mario, the previous year. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous Politician Akshar says he is also launching a financial incentive program and an additional civil service exam in June to recruit more staff for the jail. Pictured, from left, are Senator Fred Akshar, Sgt. Akshar claims his personal relationship with Masciarelli happened at some pointafter the conclusion of Powell's first trialand before his own election to the Senate, meaning it occurred sometime between September 2014 and November 2015. In a statement, Reif said Akshar "recently named a new chief of staff and his office is transitioning.". ALBANY State Sen. Fred Akshar, then a captain in the Broome County Sheriff's Office, had intimate relations four years ago with the mother of a victim whose murder he had previously helped . "As part of this transition, Jessica Williams has been reassigned to central staff and will serve the members of our majority throughout the Southern Tier," Reif said. Obviously, a prosecutor would not want to put this former sheriffs captain on the stand to be cross-examined, because that would muddy the water unnecessarily," he said. BINGHAMTON, NY (WSKG) State Sen. Fred Akshar (R-52) announced Thursday that he will run for Broome County sheriff in 2022. In a written statement, Akshar denied breaking any laws or sheriffs office policy. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. "[15], During his 2015 campaign for New York State Senate, Akshar's opponent accused him of unethical behavior in connection with a 2009 motor vehicle accident involving the nephew of his then-girlfriend, Kate Newcomb. Provided photo. I would like to thank the voters that supported me, Newcomb said after the results were posted. "As the former Captain of the Broome County Sheriff's Office, I stand ready to fulfill my duty and ensure justice is served for the Rumpel and Masciarellifamilies.". Akshar received the near-unanimous support of the Broome County Sheriffs Law Enforcement Association, the union representing 57 active-duty sergeants, detectives, road patrol deputies and sworn officers. David Diaz Jr., a Woodrow Wilson Elementary School local hero, and N.Y. State Sen. Fred Akshar shake hands as the 7-year-old is honored during a June award ceremony. "No laws or codes of ethics were violated, and when the Powell case was reopened, I volunteered my participation, but was not called to testify," he said in his statement. Fred Akshar (Republican Party) was a member of the New York State Senate, representing District 52.He assumed office on November 4, 2015. They were estranged and living apart, the lawsuit says. Pinatubo as part of the relief effort for Operation Fiery Vigil. Shortly after he announced his run for Broome County Sheriff. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve this community for the last seven years, Akshar said late Tuesday night at the Binghamton Holiday Inn Downtown, where Republican faithful gathered to watch election results on the final day of the voting. Akshar is seeking a return to the Sheriff's. [20], As of January 2019, Akshar resides in Endwell, New York. Akshar (Republican Party, Conservative Party, Independence Party) ran for re-election to the New York State Senate to represent District 52.He won in the general election on November 3, 2020. Frederick J. Akshar II is an American Republican politician from the State of New York. Calls to a number listed as Williams' cell phone went unreturned Monday and Tuesday. Fetterman also cross-trained as a Mortarman and was the Vehicle Commander of Mortar Variant #023 in Camp Pendleton, Calif. Fetterman served on the USS Comstock in 1991 in the Pacific Ocean, visiting Iwo Jima to honor and remember the fallen Marines of 1945. Law, 34, of Harpursville in connection to a. You can read more about Sgt. Republican candidate for Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar voted at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Endwell with his wife Jessica and son Freddie. Senator Fred Akshar greets, thanks, and hands out spaghetti dinners to local veterans during the Vestal Elks annual Veterans Day dinner. Priest, Akshar's spokesman, suggested the senator's office took the right steps to address the situation. ", Masciarelli continued: "At the time, I believed he was just a nice guy who cared about my sons death. At the event, Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt said, as far as hes concerned, he would not let Akshar go anywhere. [18], As of July 2018, Akshar was dating former staffer Jessica Williams. "Members should avoid personal association and personal dealings with any persons which would reasonably tend to arouse the suspicion that such associations would affect their integrity or the performance of their duties, except as necessary in the performance of official duties," the Rules of Conduct read. In the lawsuit,BenjaminclaimsBattisti asked Akshar to use his influence as a law enforcement official to have his ex-wife arrested in order for him to obtain sole custody of the two boys from Family Courtinstead of leaving the incident to the jurisdiction of Binghamton police, since the dispute took place within the city limits. Masciarelli said the personal encounterhappened in early-to-mid 2015. With all precincts reporting, Akshar gained almost 63% of the vote and held a 41,410 to 24,562 advantage in overall voting. Quality patio furniture doesnt have to be expensive. En route to Hong Kong, he was re-routed to the Philippines during the eruption of Mt. At the Broome County jail, corrections officer staffing is down roughly 20%, in what Akshar is calling a staffing crisis. Eric Fetterman enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1987, serving as a Light Armored Vehicle Crewman during Operation Desert Storm. [5], In 2015, long-serving State Senator Tom Libous forfeited his Senate seat after being found guilty of lying to the federal authorities. And I truly believe that I now have the opportunity to put all of this perspective, all of this experience together to ensure that our families can all live in a better and safer community, says Akshar. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Before that, Akshar was Broome Countys Undersheriff. Powell was again convicted Jan. 31 and sentenced to life in prison in March. Fathers Day is coming up for all kinds of dads, but if yours is fit and active, he might appreciate a fitness-related gift. Pritzakis was subsequentlycharged with two misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child and a second-degree harassment violation, all in connection with the parking lot dispute, according to court records. Deputy John Akshar, who is Fred Akshar's brother, was dispatched to investigate the complaint after getting approval from a supervisor, according to court papers. (Emmanuel Priest/The New York . An annual police tactical conference is held at Turning Stone each April. Jay Albanese, a Virginia Commonwealth University professor who wrote the book "Professional Ethics in Criminal Justice: Being Ethical When No One is Looking," said he doesn't believe an officer would have necessarily acted unethically by engaging in a consensual relationship with a victim's motherso long as it occurred after a conviction. "Because its about building strong relationships with the people that you serve. A judge is expected to decide whether to hold a trial for alawsuit claiminga former Broome County Sheriff's official and a local attorney improperly pursued an arrestafter a 2014 domestic dispute involving the lawyer's wife allallegedly in exchange for political support. Lee Zeldin. Bulova has been making reasonably priced high-end timepieces for men and women since 1875. Akshar said he will serve the 52nd Senate District to the fullest capacity until the end of his term. On Veterans Day, local officials joined Senator Fred Akshar at the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena to induct local veteran and veterans advocate Sergeant Eric Fetterman into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2020. [19], In April 2019, Akshar was accused of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with the mother of a murder victim. Powell's case continues to work its way through the courts. Pritzakisbecame upset when she saw one of her boys sitting on the lap of Battisti's fiance,according to court papers, and she started yelling profanities and attempted to get into a physical altercation. 2023 www.pressconnects.com. Eric Fetterman into the 2020 Senate Veterans Hall of Fame". Both Grace and Accardi declined comment on the decision against having Akshar testify in the second trial, with Grace pointing to Powell's ongoing appeal. Across the board in states that have legalized recreational marijuana, weve seen substantial increases in vehicle accidents vs. neighboring states where it is not legal. State Sen. Fred Akshar (NY-52) announces run for Broome Sheriff. All rights reserved. 590 views. The bill would extend state financial aid to undocumented immigrant students who were brought to the United States as children. Eric Fetterman on being inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame, said Broome County Legislature Majority Leader Cindy OBrien. In March 2017, she received a new title director of constituent services and an increase to $57,500. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. [1] Since January 1, 2023, Akshar has served Broome County, as their Sheriff. 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