Norwich City Police Detective escort Richard L. Clemons to an appearance in Norwich City Court on Oct. 31 where he pleaded not guilty to 17 charges, including felonies relating to rape, sexual abuse, possessing child pornography and destroying evidence. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

NORWICH - On Friday afternoon the Norwich City Police arrested a Norwich resident and charged him with several felonies relating to sex crimes against a young child.

Norwich Police Chief Scott Burlison said the arrest was the result of an investigation by police detectives following up on a report from a concerned community member.

"This case truly shows the dedication and teamwork of our officers and investigative partners," said Burlison. "Our top priority is always the safety of the children of the community. We worked as quickly as we could and took the steps necessary to conduct an in-depth investigation to bring this defendant to justice in a timely manner."

Richard L. Clemons, 59, of Norwich, appeared in Norwich City Court on Oct. 31 before City Court Judge Michael J. Genute. The judge read a list of the charges out loud in court.

During the arraignment Clemons was assigned a public defender and pleaded not guilty to 17 charges, including felonies relating to rape, sexual abuse, possessing child pornography, and destroying evidence.

First Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Rudy said that Clemons could face a 14-year consecutive prison sentence if convicted on just the top two charges alone, a sentence longer than the victim's age in the case.

During his appearance Clemons told the court he was hard of hearing but understood the charges against him. After listening to the details of the case against him, Clemons began to cry.

ADA Rudy requested an order of protection for the victim and sought $50,000 cash bail, both were approved by the court.

Public Defender Laura Parker said she had only just met her client and sought a felony hearing to review evidence in the case.

She said Clemons had a limited income, was disabled and, that “Any amount of bail was the same as no bail.”

If charged with a felony, following the hearing the case will go before a Chenango County grand jury and will then be sent to county court for possible trial.

The City of Norwich Police Department extended appreciation to the Chenango County Child Advocacy Center, the Chenango County District Attorney's Office, and the assisting agencies for their continued partnership and support throughout the investigation.

Chief Burlison reported on the details of the investigation in a statement. "The investigation began on October 27, 2025, when uniformed patrol officers received information indicating possible sexual activities between the defendant and a juvenile. After obtaining preliminary details, patrol officers transferred the case to the Criminal Investigations Division for further follow-up.”

“Through diligent work and coordination between Norwich Police patrol officers, detectives, and the Chenango County Child Advocacy Center, Norwich Police detectives conducted multiple interviews, executed search warrants, and collected critical evidence as part of the case,” he said.

Clemons was charged with: two counts of rape in the second degree; three counts of promoting sexual performance by a child; three counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child less than 16; two counts of endangering the welfare of a child; two counts of forcible touching; three counts of tampering with physical evidence; and two counts of sexual abuse in the second degree.

Clemons was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on 50,000 cash bail pending a court hearing next week.