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Barry Thompson, a 77-year-old resident of Hillsdale is set to go on trial on January 27. He faces numerous charges related to child sex abuse. Thompson was indicted earlier this year on 66 counts, including predatory sexual assault against a child, first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child, and multiple counts of criminal sexual acts and sexual abuse. The alleged incidents date back to 2011 and involve multiple victims.
Thompson was arrested after a search warrant was executed at his home by deputies from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and New York state troopers. During a pretrial hearing on Tuesday (December 9), prosecutors presented evidence from the arrest, including testimony from officers involved in the case.
Thompson has pled not guilty to all charges. His defense attorney, Steven Patterson, has argued against the inclusion of certain evidence and testimony, claiming it involves noncriminal acts. Prosecutors, however, assert that the evidence is crucial to demonstrating Thompson's alleged pattern of behavior.
The case is being closely watched, with Thompson facing decades in prison if convicted. The trial will take place in Columbia County Court, presided over by Judge Brian Herman.