Cheektowaga, NY (WKBW) -- 70 year old Dennis Doherty is facing several charges including forcible touching, endangering the welfare of a child, and predatory sexual assault, which is a Class A felony. He lives in the Edgebrook Estates in Cheektowaga and over several years has allegedly abused at least three male juveniles, ages 12, 14, and 15. Doherty was recently arrested and then arraigned on Thursday. "Police were notified by the parent of a 15 year old male that it was suspected that a family friend may have been sexually abusing the child," Cheektowaga Police Capt. David Zack said. "Investigation was conducted that confirmed those suspicions but also through the course of that investigation we were able to uncover two other young male victims from a separate family."
Police say Doherty would befriend these families and then go after the children. "There was no formal relationship or long standing relationship," Capt. Zack said. "Somehow he befriended them, obtained their trust and then over a period of time began what you really call grooming the children for abuse. Mr. Doherty enticed these children with gifts and cash."
Police also say Doherty would give the teens alcohol and have them watch adult television. After concluding their investigation the Detectives interviewed Doherty, who admitted to all the allegations and was taken into custody.
Police say there may be more victims out there. If you have any information call the Cheektowaga Police Department at 686-3544. "There may be more, we're not actively investigating anything else at this point but once his name becomes public there may be more victims who contact us," Capt. Zack said.
Police say Doherty does have a criminal history. He was first arrested in 1996 and charged with sodomizing a thirteen year old. He pleaded to a lesser charge, was given probation, and did not have to register as a sex offender.
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