The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office announced on April 3 the arrest of a City of Rome man following an investigation into the physical abuse of a young male child at a residence in Rome.
The case is significant as it involves allegations of child abuse, which are taken seriously by law enforcement and can have lasting effects on victims and communities.
Chief Deputy Derrick O’Meara, Director of the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center, said that Sergeant Melissa Bolton led the investigation. Authorities learned that in April 2025, William Coonrod Jr. allegedly tied the legs of a juvenile male with rope, restricting his movement and causing significant bruising around his legs.
Coonrod Jr. was located in Rome on April 2 and taken into custody by Sgt. Bolton and Investigator L. Dillenbeck from the Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Road Patrol Division. He has been charged with one count each of Assault in the Third Degree, Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child—all Class A misdemeanors.
After being processed at the Kurt B. Wyman Law Enforcement Building, Coonrod Jr. was transferred to the Correctional Facility pending arraignment in CAP Court on April 3. An order of protection has been requested for the child involved.
The Sheriff’s Office reports that this investigation is ongoing and encourages anyone with information to contact Sergeant Bolton at 315-732-3990 ext. 85552.
