Scotia Man Sentenced to Probation for Abusive Sexual Contact at Stratton VA

A Scotia man has been sentenced to one year of probation after admitting to inappropriately touching a nursing student at the Stratton VA Medical Center.

Danning Lake, 87, pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact following an incident on February 29, 2024, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York. Authorities said that while receiving care at the medical center, Lake grabbed a nursing student’s breast and made inappropriate remarks.

According to prosecutors, when questioned by a Veterans Affairs Police officer, Lake stated that he would repeat the behavior if given the chance. He also confirmed that his actions were not influenced by medication, age, or illness and that he acted for his own sexual gratification.

As part of his sentencing, Lake will be required to register as a sex offender. The case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Police and the Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan S. Reiner and Tamara B. Thomson prosecuted the case.