Former Trusted Family Friend Accused of Sexually Assaulting Two Boys

Alleged victims' father says he had no idea about the suspect's past as a sex offender

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Albany County District Attorney is pursuing a case against 55-year-old James Yerdon, accusing him of sexually assaulting two boys over a multi-year period in the capital region. Yerdon was previously convicted for possessing child pornography in 2004, which classified him as a level one sex offender. The father of a recent alleged target said he had no idea about Yerdon's past and that Yerdon was a former trusted friend of the family who played a big role in his son's life.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges around sex offender registration and public awareness, as level one offenders are not listed on the public registry website. It also raises questions about community oversight and the responsibility of those who may have known about Yerdon's past to warn others.

The details

Yerdon was previously convicted for possessing child pornography in 2004, which classified him as a level one sex offender. The father of a recent alleged target said he'd known Yerdon for 10 years, first meeting through some community theater connections, and called Yerdon a former trusted friend of the family. The father said he had no idea about Yerdon's past until after he heard about the arrest. Yerdon is now facing charges of raping one child and the sexual abuse of another in Albany County between 2023 and 2025.

  • Yerdon was previously convicted for possessing child pornography in 2004.
  • The alleged crimes in Albany County occurred between 2023 and 2025.

The players

James Yerdon

A 55-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting two boys over a multi-year period in the capital region. He was previously convicted for possessing child pornography in 2004, which classified him as a level one sex offender.

The father of an alleged target

He had known Yerdon for 10 years, first meeting through some community theater connections, and called Yerdon a former trusted friend of the family.

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What they’re saying

“There were people that were around us that knew of his past and didn't think to tell us. Because they trusted that he had told us.”

— The father of an alleged target (news10.com)

“Had I known, he never would have been near my son, near my family.”

— The father of an alleged target (news10.com)

What’s next

Yerdon has pleaded not guilty and is due back in court next month. The Albany County District Attorney is encouraging anyone who may have come into contact with Yerdon to please contact their local New York State Police Barracks.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges around sex offender registration and public awareness, as level one offenders are not listed on the public registry website. It also raises questions about community oversight and the responsibility of those who may have known about Yerdon's past to warn others.