A Mattydale man faces felony sex charges against a teenager for alleged contact back in 2017 and possibly in prior years. The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office is now wondering if there are more victims.
Officials say 61-year-old Donald Bender Jr. was arrested this week for alleged sexual contact with a male who was 16 years old at the time, after an investigation that started in January 2026. He has been charged with Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, a Class E Felony. Investigators fear the abuse went on years prior as well.
During the time of the alleged incidents, Bender was a volunteer for the Mattydale Fire Department for several years, often giving juvenile males rides for a youth program. Due to the access he had to young males, investigators believe there might be further victims assaulted by Bender.
The Sheriff’s Department is asking the public for help identifying any other potential victims who might have had contact with Bender. Anyone with information is urged to contacts Detective Zachary Kogut with the Special Victims Unit at (315) 435 3092, extension 305.
Bender remains incarcerated, while the investigation continues.
