CORTLANDT, NY — A 64-year-old man was arrested following an investigation into a false report and alleged harassment stemming from a 911 call made on Jan. 11.
State Police received a call from an unidentified male who claimed to have observed a threatening social media post and identified a Mohegan Lake address and resident as being responsible.
The caller disconnected before providing complete identifying information.
A follow-up investigation, including interviews and a review of cellular devices and social media accounts, found no evidence supporting the allegations.
Investigators determined the report was knowingly false and made to harass a family at the identified address.
The suspect was found to have a documented history of harassment involving the same family and was subject to an active full stay-away order of protection.
On Jan. 15, State Police from the Cortlandt Barracks arrested John Pinchbeck, of Cortlandt, and charged him with aggravated harassment 2nd (hate crime), a class E felony, falsely reporting an incident 3rd (hate crime), a class E felony, and criminal contempt 2nd, a class A misdemeanor.
Troopers and investigators conducted a search of Pinchbeck’s residence, secured electronic devices, and placed him under arrest.
He was arraigned in the Town of Cortlandt Court and remanded to the Westchester County Jail.
Pinchbeck is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 21 at 4 p.m.
Investigators have found no evidence of a credible threat.
