The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office announced on Apr. 28 the arrests of William Coonrod Sr., of the Town of Lee, and William Coonrod Jr., of the City of Rome, following an investigation into allegations of physical abuse involving two male children at a residence in the outer district of Rome during 2024 and 2025.
According to Chief Deputy Derrick O’Meara, who is also director of the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center (CAC), Sergeant Melissa Bolton led the investigation which resulted in charges against both men. The case highlights ongoing efforts by local authorities to address and respond to reports of child abuse within the community.
Investigators learned that in April 2025, both Coonrod Sr. and Coonrod Jr. allegedly caused physical injury to a child under seven years old. On April 24, 2026, Coonrod Sr. was arrested in Rome and transported to the Kurt B. Wyman Law Enforcement Building while Coonrod Jr. turned himself in at the Sheriff’s Office.
Both individuals were charged with one count each of Assault in the Second Degree, classified as a Class D Felony, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A Misdemeanor. Additionally, Coonrod Sr. faces further charges including Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and another count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child related to an incident involving a second male child.
After being processed at CAP Court at the OCSO Correctional Facility on April 24, both men were remanded: Coonrod Jr.’s bail was set at $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond; for Coonrod Sr., bail was set at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. Orders of protection were issued upon their arraignment.
The Child Advocacy Center received assistance from both the Criminal Investigation Unit and Patrol Division during this investigation.
