Update: State Police investigate a criminal mischief complaint in Waddington

Update:

On August 1, 2024, at approximately 2:18 p.m., State Police members responded to Lagrasse Street in the town of Waddington for a report of a structure fire in a detached garage. A preliminary investigation determined an individual intentionally set fire to an unoccupied detached garage. While State Police members were investigating the garage fire, a vehicle fire occurred in the yard of a private residence in the town of Waddington. An investigation determined Jonathan M. Buffham, age 35, of Waddington, NY, was responsible for the fires.

Buffham was located, arrested, and transported to SP Massena for processing. While interviewing Buffham, it was concluded that he was responsible for the cemetery incident as well. Buffham was charged with Grand Larceny 4th, Arson 3rd (2 counts), Burglary 3rd, Criminal Mischief 2nd, and Cemetery Desecration 1st. He was arraigned in the Town of Waddington Court, where he was remanded to St. Lawrence County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond.

 ===================================

On July 31, 2024, at approximately 6:58 a.m., State Police members responded to Brookside Cemetery in the town of Waddington for a criminal mischief complaint. A preliminary investigation determined a Caterpillar 309 excavator was on the cemetery property for a landscaping project. The excavator was left overnight for use the next day. It was determined the excavator was utilized in the early morning hours to cause excessive damage to the Ogden family burial vault. This incident was localized to the Ogden family burial vault only and no other damage was observed to any other burial stones on the property. 

This is an ongoing investigation.

Anyone with any information should contact SP Massena BCI at 315-379-0012.