Oswego County Man Arrested on Grand Jury Indictment

65-year-old Douglas S. Waterbury charged with attempted bribery, attempted rape, and patronizing prostitution

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Fulton arrested Douglas S. Waterbury, age 65, of Oswego, NY, following an Oswego County Grand Jury indictment. Waterbury was charged with attempted bribing of a witness, attempted rape in the third degree, and patronizing a person for prostitution in the third degree.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address sex crimes and related offenses in the Oswego County area. The charges against Waterbury involve allegations of predatory behavior and attempts to cover up criminal acts, which are serious concerns for community safety.

The details

The investigation began on June 5, 2025, when State Police were notified of a sex offense that allegedly occurred on June 4, 2025. The victim was seeking new housing and was provided Waterbury's contact information as a landlord. After meeting the victim, Waterbury allegedly drove the victim to an unoccupied commercial building in Scriba, where he exposed himself and demanded a sex act in exchange for money. When the victim refused, Waterbury allegedly drove the victim back home. During the investigation, it was also determined that Waterbury contacted a mutual acquaintance and attempted to bribe the victim to withdraw the complaint.

  • The incident occurred on June 4, 2025.
  • The investigation began on June 5, 2025.
  • Waterbury was arrested on March 3, 2026.
  • Waterbury is scheduled to appear in Oswego County Court on April 27, 2026.

The players

Douglas S. Waterbury

A 65-year-old man from Oswego, NY, who was indicted by an Oswego County Grand Jury on charges of attempted bribery of a witness, attempted rape, and patronizing prostitution.

New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Fulton

The law enforcement agency that conducted the investigation and arrested Waterbury.

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What’s next

Waterbury is scheduled to appear in Oswego County Court on April 27, 2026, where a judge will determine the next steps in the legal proceedings.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of reporting suspected sex crimes and the commitment of local law enforcement to investigate such allegations thoroughly, even when they involve attempts to cover up or bribe witnesses. The charges against Waterbury serve as a reminder that predatory behavior will be met with serious consequences in Oswego County.