City man charged with sexual abuse

The incident occurred at about 7:45 p.m. on Nov. 9 in the locker room of the YMCA of Saratoga at 290 West Ave., according to court records. Thomas A. Filion, of 26 Elizabeth Lane, has been charged with first-degree sexual abuse, a felony and second-degree unlawful imprisonment, a misdemeanor.

The court records said Filion entered the shower stall of the youth and did not allow the victim to leave by blocking the entrance with his body. The police statement in the records also said the defendant did ‘place his hand on the penis of the victim with forcible compulsion.’

An e-mail was sent out to all 18,500 members of the YMCA Wednesday notifying them of the incident. Jim Letts, chief executive officer of the YMCA of Saratoga, said they couldn’t release any information to members until the investigation was over. Letts said Filion’s membership was terminated; he had been a member since about 2000.

Letts said there are 16 surveillance cameras located throughout the new YMCA facility, but none in the locker rooms or showers because of the privacy act. A staff person patrols the facility throughout the day keeping an eye open for any misconduct.

In the e-mail to members Letts said, “We at the YMCA take this matter very seriously and want to ensure that all of our members’ safety is our number one priority.”

Letts said he hopes members won’t leave because of this incident – the first like it since Letts has been at the Saratoga Y.

“I feel the Y is a safe place,” he said. “The police did the investigation and we are doing what we can do on behalf of the YMCA.”

He said unfortunately incidents like this happens a lot of places, but said there is a lot of security at the YMCA.

“We were able to aid the police in the investigation,” Letts said. “From the time you walk in our doors you are recorded.”

Filion is being represented by Christopher Obstarczyk of Levy and Obstarczyk Attorney at Law. Filion said he had “no comment” regarding the case on Thursday, Nov. 29 and referred questions to his attorney.

Obstarczyk said his comment regarding his client was, he pleaded not guilty and was released on bail.

Filion was released on $2,500 cash bail, posted by himself. He is due back in Saratoga Springs City Court on Jan. 10.

Sgt. Warren Wildly, head of the juvenile division of the Saratoga Springs Police Department, said the investigation is complete, but anyone with information concerning the case should contact him at 584-1800.

Wildly said there have been no other reports like this against Filion in the past. He said the management and staff at the YMCA assisted in the investigation. The victim was able to identify Filion by reviewing surveillance tapes.

“Having cameras helped the case tremendously,” Wildly said.