CAMERON, N.Y. (WETM) — A man elected to be Cameron Town Justice last fall waits for arraignment at the Steuben County Jail on Thursday after police say he held an individual against their will in the Town of Cameron.
New York State Police say that Michael Stewart, 48, was arrested on March 15 after police launched an investigation into an individual being held against their will and threatened with a gun.
Steward was processed and transported to the Steuben County Jail where he was released on Thursday, after his arraignment. Police said that upon his release, Stewart immediately violated the protection order and was arrested for Criminal Contempt in the 2nd degree.
Stewart was elected to be the Cameron Town Justice in November 2022. However, town officials confirmed that Stewart never completed the required courses to become Justice, so the previous judge was re-appointed.
Police say Stewart was charged with the following:
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd degree
- Menacing in the 2nd degree
- Unlawful Imprisonment in the 2nd degree
- Criminal Mischief in the 4th degree
State police further investigated the incident, leading to Stewart being charged with an additional five counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the 3rd degree.
Stewart awaits arraignment in the Steuben County Jail for the charges he received on March 16.
