Putnam County Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Osika, 43, a Mahopac resident, was arrested early Saturday after what authorities describe as a physical altercation at a home in Carmel. He was charged with third-degree assault and second-degree aggravated harassment, then arraigned in Southeast Town Court and released. A temporary order of protection was issued in the case.
Arrest and court dates
New York State Police troopers were called to the Carmel residence at about 5 a.m. on Saturday, where investigators determined Osika and the alleged victim had been involved in a physical confrontation, according to Daily Voice. The outlet reports he was arraigned later that day in Southeast Town Court and released, with a scheduled appearance in Carmel Town Court on Monday. A temporary order of protection was also put in place, the report notes.
Past recognition and training
Osika is not a stranger to public attention, although until now it has been for very different reasons. In 2020, State Sen. Pete Harckham awarded him a New York State Senate Liberty Medal after Osika pulled a man back from the edge of the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Brewster, according to the New York State Senate. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office has also listed him among deputies who completed statewide training programs. Those prior accolades have been widely cited as context for why this arrest is drawing extra attention around Putnam County.
Sheriff's office response and next steps
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office has suspended Osika without pay while it conducts an internal administrative investigation, Sgt. Michael DiVeglio told Daily Voice. The criminal investigation itself was handled by the state police, the outlet reports. Prosecutors will now review the evidence, and upcoming appearances and filings in Carmel Town Court are expected to clarify whether the charges proceed.
What the charges mean
Under New York law, assault in the third degree is classified as a class A misdemeanor, as defined by the New York State Senate. Aggravated harassment in the second degree is also a class A misdemeanor under the New York State Senate. Convictions for class A misdemeanors can carry penalties of up to one year in jail, fines, or probation, according to FindLaw.
Court records and future public filings will provide the clearest details as the case moves forward. Local officials say both the sheriff’s office and the state police are continuing their respective probes. This article will be updated as new official statements or documents become available.
