Staff Report / January 8, 2026
Bath, N.Y. – A local man was taken into custody this week after an investigation by the Village of Bath Police Department found he communicated sexually explicit material with an individual who was legally unable to provide consent due to a disability.
Police arrested Mark E. Allen, 53, of Bath on Wednesday, January 7, charging him with endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person in the first degree, a class E felony under New York law.
According to authorities, the investigation revealed that Allen had exchanged sexual messages and images with someone whose disabilities prevent them from legally consenting to such interactions. Investigators allege the explicit communications occurred over a period of time and prompted the criminal charges once discovered.
Following his arrest, Allen was processed by law enforcement and booked into the Steuben County Jail, where he remains awaiting centralized arraignment. Prosecutors will advance the case through the judicial process in coming weeks.
Officials did not immediately release details about how investigators were first alerted to the communications or the duration of the alleged misconduct. The Village of Bath Police Department did not respond to requests for additional comment by press time.
This case highlights ongoing law-enforcement efforts to protect vulnerable members of the community from exploitation and abuse.
