Indictment in Child Sexual Assault Case

DELHI — Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that the Delaware County Grand Jury returned a two-count indictment against Benjamin P. Combes, 36, of New Lisbon, New York on January 23, 2025. 

Count One of the Indictment accuses Benjamin P. Combes of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree, a Class B Violent Felony.  It is alleged that the defendant was over 18 years of age and engaged in two or more acts of sexual conduct against a child less than thirteen years old.  It is further alleged that he engaged in at least one act of sexual intercourse, oral sexual conduct, or anal sexual conduct with the child victim. If the defendant is convicted of this crime, he faces up to 25 years in prison and 20 years of post-release supervision. 

Count Two of the Indictment accuses Benjamin P. Combes of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child, a Class A-II Felony.  If the defendant is convicted of this crime, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison. 

The defendant is currently incarcerated in Otsego County for unrelated charges.  He is scheduled to be transported to Delaware County Court for arraignment on January 28, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. 

District Attorney Shawn Smith commended New York State Police Investigator Karley Davenport and Senior Investigator Timothy West for their thorough investigation into this serious case.  Smith also thanked the Crime Victim Advocates at Safe Against Violence and the New York State Police for their critical support in assisting the victim in this matter.  

Indictments and Criminal Complaints are allegations.  All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.