The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of Areze D. Washington, age 36 of Hyde Park, in connection with a month-long investigation into the sexual abuse of a child.

Mr. Washington was arrested on 12/3/21 and has been charged with having sexual contact with a child victim several years ago in the Town of Pleasant Valley. No further details about the case or the victim will be released at this time in order to protect the victim’s privacy, and at this time there does not appear to be a danger to the community as a whole.

At this time Mr. Washington has been charged with sexual abuse in the 1^st degree, which is a felony. After being processed he was arraigned before the Town of Pleasant Valley Court and released to probation.

The investigation is continuing and anyone with information about this incident or similar incidents involving Mr. Washington is urged to contact Detective Sistarenik at 845-486-3833 or bsistarenik@dutchessny.gov. The Sheriff’s Office can also be contacted via the tip line at 845-605-2583 or dcsotips@gmail.com, and all information will be kept confidential.

As with any criminal case, the charge described above is merely an accusation and Mr. Washington is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.