Watertown NY police lieutenant arrested

The Watertown Police Department says a 35-year veteran of its department has been arrested by New York State Police.

57-year-old Lieutenant James Spencer Jr. pleaded not guilty to second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child during an arraignment Thursday morning in Watertown City Court.

His court appearance stems from a September incident where he allegedly used force against a 9-year-old boy while in the parking lot of the Jefferson County Public Safety Building, where the Watertown PD is housed.

State police say their investigation determined that the boy’s guardian, his grandmother, drove to the Jefferson County Public Safety Building to have an officer speak with the boy. The boy refused to enter the building and ran into nearby bushes. Two Watertown Police Department officers and a Jefferson County Detective made contact with the 9 year old and began escorting him toward the building while holding his hands.

It continues to say that as Spencer approached to assist, the boy kicked off one of his shoes, striking him near the groin. Spencer then allegedly used force to place the juvenile on the ground in order to handcuff him. The juvenile was subsequently brought to the front of the building and released back to his legal guardian.

According to court documents, the boy’s grandmother alleges he had a mark on the back of his neck, a cut on his nose, bleeding from one nostril, and and marks on his wrists and left arm. Police said the grandmother asked that Spencer be arrested.

The alleged victim was issued an order of protection. Spencer’s next court date is scheduled for December 18 at 11 a.m.

The Watertown Police Department said it takes allegations of misconduct seriously and investigates them fully.

7NEWS reporting in October said Spencer was put on paid leave after an internal investigation. We also learned the incident was captured on police body cameras. We are attempting to obtain copies of the body camera footage so more can be learned about what happened in the alleged incident.

According to Watertown City Manager Eric Wagenaar, Spencer remains on administrative leave.

According to SeeThroughNY, Spencer earned nearly $120,000 last year.

In a statement to 7NEWS, Wagenaar said an internal investigation was completed, and the city is following procedures in accordance with the Watertown Police Department collective bargaining contract, including service of disciplinary charges for his termination of employment with the Watertown Police Department.