Pair Charged with Contempt for Violating Orders of Protection

Shantel M. Yaw and Michael J. Yaw accused of contacting protected persons while incarcerated

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Two individuals from Locke, New York, Shantel M. Yaw and Michael J. Yaw, have been charged with criminal contempt in the second degree for allegedly contacting protected persons while incarcerated in the Cayuga County Jail. The Cayuga County Sheriff's Office opened investigations in January and February after receiving allegations that the pair violated court-ordered stay-away orders of protection.

Why it matters

Violations of orders of protection are taken seriously by law enforcement as they are intended to protect victims from further harm or harassment. These charges highlight the importance of enforcing such orders and the consequences individuals face for disregarding them, even from behind bars.

The details

Shantel M. Yaw, 57, was arrested on February 20 in the Town of Sennett after an investigation revealed she attempted to contact the protected party of a full stay-away order of protection while incarcerated. Michael J. Yaw, 63, was arrested on February 23, also in the Town of Sennett, after an investigation found he contacted the protected party of a full stay-away order of protection multiple times from December to January while incarcerated. Both individuals were charged with criminal contempt in the second degree, a misdemeanor under New York State Penal Law, and remain held at the Cayuga County Jail.

  • Shantel Yaw's alleged violations occurred in January 2026.
  • Michael Yaw's alleged violations occurred from December 2025 to January 2026.
  • Shantel Yaw was arrested on February 20, 2026.
  • Michael Yaw was arrested on February 23, 2026.

The players

Shantel M. Yaw

A 57-year-old resident of Locke, New York, who was charged with criminal contempt in the second degree for allegedly contacting a protected person while incarcerated.

Michael J. Yaw

A 63-year-old resident of Locke, New York, who was charged with criminal contempt in the second degree for allegedly contacting a protected person multiple times while incarcerated.

Cayuga County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the alleged violations of the orders of protection and made the arrests.

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What they’re saying

“Anyone with information can contact the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office at 315-253-1222 or submit a tip through the county website or the SaferWatch app.”

— Sheriff Brian Schenck (fingerlakes1.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on the defendants' bail status at their upcoming court appearances.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of enforcing orders of protection and the consequences individuals face for violating them, even while incarcerated. It serves as a reminder of the need to protect victims from further harm or harassment.