Ilion Man Facing Charges For Lying To Police

An Ilion man has been charged with Obstruction of Governmental Administration, Knowingly Making a Punishable False Written Statement and Falsely Reporting an Incident.

Police and other first responders conducted a search in inclement weather of the 162 acre wooded area that lasted several hours. It was later discovered that Kelly was never in Russell Park and never hurt or intended to hurt himself, but instead, was hiding at a home in the Village of Herkimer.

The resident of the home, Henry Siegler, was also charged with Obstruction of Governmental Administration for lying to Police during their first visit to the home in their attempt to find Kelly after they were initially contacted.

Both suspects were arrested last night and charged. Police say the incident cost the Village of Ilion $1,901.35 for personnel and equipment and will seek restitution from the defendants in court.

Kelly is scheduled to appear in Ilion Justice Court to answer the charges on December 21st.

Members of the Ilion Fire Department, the Ilion Volunteer Fire Department, the Ilion Fire Police, the Ilion Water Department, the Village of Herkimer Police Department and Herkimer County 911 all assisted in the search for Kelly in Russell Park and other locations.