Bath Village Police Department / December 11, 2025
On 12/09/2025, members of the Village of Bath Police Department arrested and charged Scott G. Watkins, age 44, of Bath, with the following:
• Attempted Rape in the 1st Degree, a Class C Felony
• Sexual Abuse in the 1st Degree, a Class D Felony
• Criminal Sex Act in the 1st Degree, a Class B Felony
• Unlawful Surveillance in the 2nd Degree, a Class E Felony (2 counts)
This arrest stems from a months-long investigation into the report of a sexual offense against a child having occurred in August of 2025 at Watkins’ home on East William Street in the Village of Bath. As a result of the investigation, it was determined that Watkins did subject a female victim who is less than eleven years old to multiple forms of sexual contact and attempted sexual intercourse with the victim while she was asleep as a guest in his home. It was further determined that Watkins did unlawfully surveil multiple female victims under the age of eleven using a hidden security camera in a bedroom.
Watkins was processed and transported to Steuben County Jail for CAP arraignment where he was remanded on $2,000 bail. Watkins subsequently posted bail and was released after spending only a few hours in jail.
This arrest is a result of teamwork between the Village of Bath Police Department, Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, Hornell Police Department, Steuben County District Attorney’s Office, Steuben County Child Protective Services and the Child Advocacy Center.
This investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are expected following further forensic review of Watkins’ technological devices.
