Painted Post man arrested after investigation into repeated false emergency reports to authorities

New York – A Painted Post man has been arrested following a lengthy investigation into a series of false emergency reports that authorities say strained public safety and child protection resources across Steuben County.

The New York State Police announced that the arrest came after an inquiry into repeated calls made to 911 and the New York State Child Abuse and Maltreatment Hotline. According to investigators, the reports were made over an extended period in 2025 and prompted numerous responses from law enforcement officers and child protective services.

Authorities say the calls alleged emergencies and child abuse incidents that required immediate attention. Each report triggered an official response, but investigators later determined that the claims were unfounded. Over time, a pattern emerged that led state police to take a closer look at the source of the reports.

Read also: Four Town of Webster officials are sworn into office during a January ceremony marking the start of the new year

The investigation concluded that the reports were knowingly false and were made in a way that misused emergency services and mandated reporting systems. Officials say such actions can divert resources away from real emergencies and families who may genuinely need help.

As a result of the findings, Thomas A. Margeson, 40, of Painted Post, was arrested on January 1, 2026. The charges stem from incidents that occurred within the Town and Village of Bath.

Margeson faces a total of 30 misdemeanor charges. These include 18 counts of falsely reporting a catastrophe or emergency to an official agency in the third degree, each classified as an A misdemeanor, tied to incidents in the Town of Bath. He is also charged with 12 counts of falsely reporting a child abuse incident to a mandated reporter in the third degree, also A misdemeanors, related to incidents in the Village of Bath.

State police emphasized that false reports, especially those involving child abuse allegations, carry serious consequences. Such reports not only require significant time and effort from investigators and social services but can also cause unnecessary distress to families and communities.

Read also: Penfield launches its 250th anniversary preparations with a public open house in the Local History Room

Following his arrest, Margeson was issued two appearance tickets rather than being held in custody. He is scheduled to appear in Town of Bath Court on February 2, 2026. A second court appearance is set for Village of Bath Court on February 4, 2026.

Officials have not released further details about the specific nature of the false reports but noted that the case highlights the importance of responsible use of emergency systems. Authorities encourage residents to report genuine emergencies and concerns while reminding the public that intentionally false reporting is a criminal offense.

The case remains pending in court, and Margeson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.