Authorities begin to release details on Paris sexual assault case

Story Created: Jul 28, 2008 at 2:33 PM EST

Story Updated: Jul 28, 2008 at 5:15 PM EST

State Police in Marcy are investigating the abduction and sexual assault of a 7 year old Utica girl, which occurred on Friday, July 25th, in a wooded area between Mohawk Street and Route 8 in the Town of Paris.

At approximately 8:00 p.m., three young men were walking along a trail near Mohawk Street in the Town of Paris, Oneida County, when they came across a man and a young girl.

The man stated that he was the girl's father, and asked for directions to the nearest road. After providing directions, the men moved on, as nothing appeared suspicious.

After the three men returned to their residence, they learned that a young girl was missing, last seen with a man named Louis Leddick, a recent parolee.

The three men immediately ran back into the woods to the location where they had last seen the man and girl. When they called the girl's name, they heard her yell for help.

They found the girl and immediately took custody of her. The man, who was later identified to be Leddick, ran into the woods, and could not be located by the men due to the darkness.

The men called 911, and personnel from the State Police, Oneida County Sheriff's office, New Hartford Police Department, State Division of Parole, and State Department of Environmental Conservation immediately responded to search the woods for Leddick.

A command post was established at the Sauquoit Volunteer Fire Department. Police K-9 Units and a State Police helicopter assisted in the search.

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, Leddick was located on a trail by a State Trooper and taken into custody.

The seven year old girl was transported to Faxton-St. Lukes Healthcare Center by Edwards Ambulance and subsequently transferred to the SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse where she was treated for her injuries. She has since been released to her family.

Louis Leddick was discovered to be the subject of an active warrant for Violation of Parole. He was released on parole from the Watertown Correctional Facility on June 24, 2008, and he listed 10 Orchard Street Mohawk as his current address.

A warrant for Leddick’s arrest was issued by the NY State Division of Parole on July 22, 2008. Leddick is in the Oneida County Jail without bail on the parole warrant, awaiting grand jury action.

The investigation is continuing in conjunction with the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center.
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