WOODRIDGE, NY — On August 29, Fallsburg Police responded to a residence in Woodridge where it was reported that a domestic incident had occurred. A female victim alleged that her husband, identified as 46-year-old Benjamin Odom, had appeared at her residence, in violation of a stay away order of protection, where he made forcible entry into the residence and had swung a baseball bat at a third party that was inside of the residence. Charges were filed against Benjamin Odom, who had fled the residence on foot prior to police arrival.

In the early morning of September 2, Fallsburg Police responded to the same residence for a reported structure fire. Fallsburg Detectives conducted an arson investigation at the residence, due to the possibility that the fire may have been set intentionally. Fallsburg Police was assisted at the scene by K9 units from the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office and the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

In the afternoon of September 2, Fallsburg Police were informed that Benjamin Odom was operating a white Volkswagen in the area of State Route 42 and Brickman Road in Fallsburg. Benjamin Odom was then observed by police operating the reported vehicle in the Village of Woodridge. Fallsburg Police then attempted to conduct a vehicle stop and was led on a lengthy vehicle pursuit. Benjamin Odom was then taken into police custody after driving through a locked gated area on River Road and became fenced in.

Upon further investigation by Fallsburg Detectives into the alleged incidents, Benjamin Odom was charged with the felonies of criminal contempt in the first degree (two counts), burglary in the first degree, burglary in the third degree, arson in the third degree and criminal mischief in the third degree, along with the misdemeanor of reckless driving and aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree. It was later found the vehicle he was operating was stolen out of Rock Hill. Benjamin Odom also had an active bench warrant for his arrest that was issued by the Sullivan County Court.

Benjamin Odom was arraigned in the Town of Fallsburg Justice Court by the Honorable Judge Kaminski where he was the remanded to the custody of the Sullivan County Jail. Benjamin Odom is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Criminal charges are merely allegations that a defendant has committed violations of the criminal law, and as such they are not evidence of guilt. All defendants have a presumption of innocence and are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the burden of the State of New York to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.