MATTYDALE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office is asking more victims to come forward following the arrest of a 61-year-old accused child sexual abuser.
Donald J. Bender Jr., of Mattydale, was arrested on April 22 after a “comprehensive investigation,” which began in January of 2026, the sheriff’s office said. He is being charged with criminal sexual act in the third degree, a felony.
The sheriff’s office explained that allegations were made against Bender over a sexual encounter with an, at the time, 16-year-old male, in the late winter of 2017. Their investigation has led them to believe that additional encounters had occurred prior.
During that time, Bender was volunteering “extensively” with the Mattydale Fire Department, and he did so for many years. One of his duties included frequently acting as a mode of transportation for juvenile males who were involved in the department’s Junior Program…