PRESS RELEASE

       John Olson

The New York State Police Child Abuse Unit announces the arrest of JOHN OLSON, 59, from the town of Warwick on charges that he allegedly sexually abused multiple juvenile victims. The incidents alleged to have occurred at a daycare/foster care home in the town of Warwick in Orange County and town of Andes in Delaware County.

Also arrested was JOAN PARKS, 80, of the town of Mamakating. PARKS was charged with failing to report child abuse as a mandated reporter.

The arrests were the result of a joint investigation by the New York State Police working in conjunction with Orange County Child Protective Services. It stemmed from allegations made that Olson sexually abused multiple juveniles in both Orange and Delaware counties.

On May 21, 2022, JOHN OLSON was arrested in the town of Andes, Delaware County, New York and arraigned before the Town of Middletown Court, Delaware County for charges of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child, a class “A-II” Felony and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class “A” Misdemeanor.

JOHN OLSON was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail, where he currently remains.

In May 2022, JOHN OLSON was indicted by a Grand Jury in Delaware County on the following charges: (1) count Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child, a class “A-II” Felony, (1) count Rape 1^st degree, a class “B” Felony, (1) count Criminal Sexual Act 1^st degree, a class “B” Felony, (1) count Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child 1^st degree, a class “B” Felony, (1) count Criminal Sexual Act 2^nd degree, a Class “D” Felony, (1) count Rape 2^nd degree, a class “D” Felony, and (1) count Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class “A” Misdemeanor and an arrest warrant was issued. On May 31, 2022, JOHN OLSON was arraigned before the Delaware County Court on the above charges and continues to be remanded to the Delaware County Jail.

In June 2022, JOHN OLSON was indicted by a Grand Jury in Orange County on the following charges: (1) count Attempted Rape 1^st degree, a Class “C” Felony, (2) count Sexual Abuse 1^st degree, a class “D” Felony, and (2) Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child 2^nd degree, class “D” Felony and an arrest warrant was issued. On July 14, 2022, OLSON was arraigned before Orange County Court and continues to be remanded to the Delaware County Jail.

It was discovered during the investigation that JOAN PARKS, a Clinical Social Worker and mandated reporter, allegedly failed to report the child sexual abuse when made aware. On August 22, 2022, JOAN PARKS was arrested for (1) count Failure to Report Child Abuse, a class “A” Misdemeanor and (1) count Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class “A” Misdemeanor. PARKS was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Warwick Court on September 6, 2022 at 6 PM.

State Police are asking anyone who may have been victimized by JOHN OLSON or JOAN PARKS to contact the Orange County Child Abuse at the New York State Police at 845-291-2836 or 845-291-2810