New York State Police arrest county deputy on sexual charges involving minor

On July 3, 2026, the New York State Police arrested Hunter R. Lawrence, 25, of Auburn, New York, following an investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

The investigation determined that Lawrence engaged in multiple sexual encounters with a victim under the age of 17 over an extended period of time. The incidents occurred while the victim was at different ages, resulting in multiple charges under New York State law.

Lawrence is employed as a Deputy with the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office. There are no allegations that the conduct occurred while he was on duty. The New York State Police worked closely with Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck after he was notified of the allegations.

Lawrence was charged with:

Two counts of Rape in the Second Degree, a Class D felonyTwo counts of Rape in the Third Degree, a Class E felonyEndangering the Welfare of a Child, a misdemeanor

Lawrence was processed at SP Homer and transported to the Cortland County Jail for centralized arraignment.

The investigation remains ongoing.