Ulster County man accused of attempting to strangle a child

KINGSTON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A man is accused of attempted assault, attempting to strangle a child, and more in Kingston. Jeffery Roberts, 36, faces many charges.

Charges

• Two counts of second-degree attempted assault
• Second-degree attempted strangulation
• Four counts of first-degree criminal contempt
• Five counts of second-degree criminal contempt
• Three counts of endangering the welfare of a child

The Kingston Police Department said it responded to an apartment on Wall Street around 5:30 p.m. on April 15 for reports of a full stay away order of protection violation. Detectives reported seeing Roberts in the protected party's apartment upon arrival.

Roberts was taken into custody while detectives interviewed the victim and the children. Police said the interview revealed that Roberts placed a leather belt around a child's neck and tried to lift the child off the ground.

Additionally, Roberts is accused of subjecting the victims to physical contact during the dispute. He was arraigned and put in Ulster County Jail.

The Kingston Police Department said this incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Michael DeFrance or Detective Ernie VanDeMark at (845) 943-8404. You can also reach them at mdefrance@kingston-ny.gov or evandemark@kingston-ny.gov.