Elderly Pawling Resident Arrested for Public Lewdness

Incident Reported to Sheriff’s Office

VILLAGE OF PAWLING – A 75-year-old Pawling man has been arrested after authorities say he exposed himself in public. The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) launched an investigation on Thursday, August 29, following a report received from the Pawling Village Mayor’s Office. According to officials, multiple complaints indicated that an individual had been exposing himself to women and young girls in the community.

Arrest and Charges

After a joint effort between the DCSO Detective Bureau and Patrol Bureau, investigators identified the suspect as Daniel Dorn, a longtime resident of Pawling. Dorn was taken into custody without incident and formally charged with misdemeanor public lewdness.

Following his arrest, Dorn was processed and released with an appearance ticket. He is scheduled to appear in Pawling Village Court on September 9, 2025, where he will face the misdemeanor charge.

Community Concerns

The arrest has raised concerns among residents, as the alleged behavior reportedly occurred in public areas within the village. While no injuries were reported, officials emphasized the seriousness of the case given that some of the victims were minors. Public lewdness, though classified as a misdemeanor, is treated as a significant public safety issue by law enforcement due to its potential impact on community well-being.

Village officials praised the swift response by the Sheriff’s Office, noting that the cooperation between local government and law enforcement was key to addressing the matter quickly.

Appeal for Information

Investigators are continuing to look into whether similar incidents may have taken place in Pawling or neighboring communities. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with additional information about Dorn or other potential incidents to come forward.

Contact Detective Flanagan at 845-486-3864 or via email at jflanagan@dutchessny.gov.
Anonymous tips can also be shared through the DCSO tip line at 845-605-2583 or by emailing dcsotips@gmail.com.

Authorities have assured the public that all information provided will remain confidential.

Next Steps

As the case proceeds to court, Dorn faces the possibility of fines, mandated counseling, or other penalties associated with misdemeanor public lewdness under New York law. The September 9 hearing is expected to determine how the case will move forward.

For now, the Sheriff’s Office continues to urge vigilance and community awareness, reminding residents that prompt reporting of suspicious or unlawful behavior plays a critical role in maintaining public safety.