Arrest made after State Police investigation into allegations at Harriet Tubman Residential Center in Cayuga County

Cayuga County, New York – An investigation by the New York State Police has led to the arrest of a staff member accused of inappropriate conduct with a juvenile resident at the Harriet Tubman Residential Center in Cayuga County.

According to officials, 51-year-old Marvin A. Edmonds of Geneva, New York, was taken into custody following a probe into allegations that surfaced earlier this year. The accusations involved an interaction between Edmonds and a juvenile at the residential facility, which is located in the town of Sennett.

Authorities said the case began when the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs received a report of the alleged misconduct. The Justice Center then referred the matter to the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Auburn, which immediately opened a criminal investigation.

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After gathering evidence, investigators determined that while serving as a staff member, Edmonds engaged in conduct that violated his duties and compromised the safety of a resident. On September 24, 2025, police arrested Edmonds at his Geneva home without incident. He was then transported to State Police headquarters in Auburn, where he was formally processed.

Following his arrest, Edmonds was arraigned at the Cayuga County Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP). He now faces two charges: Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, classified as a misdemeanor, and Official Misconduct for a Public Servant Performing an Illegal Function, also a misdemeanor.

Authorities emphasized that the arrest came after careful investigation and with cooperation from several agencies. “The New York State Police were assisted by the New York State Justice Center and staff from the Harriet Tubman Residential Center during this investigation,” officials noted.

The Harriet Tubman Residential Center is a state-run facility that provides housing and rehabilitation programs for youth. The arrest of an employee has raised concerns about safety protocols and oversight at the center, though officials have not released additional details on the incident to protect the identity of the juvenile involved.

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After processing, Edmonds was taken to Cayuga County Jail for CAP arraignment. Court proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks, and further updates may be released as the case moves forward.

The investigation underscores the seriousness with which state agencies are addressing allegations of misconduct within facilities designed to protect vulnerable youth. Officials said the partnership between the Justice Center and the State Police ensured a swift and thorough response.

For now, Edmonds remains charged, and the legal process will determine the outcome of the case.