Onondaga County Harassment Case Involving Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Lynch

A former Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputy, Brian Lynch, who admitted to harassing a woman he encountered while on duty, is not facing jail time as a result of the incident.

An investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division in April 2023 revealed that ex-Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Lynch had acted improperly towards a woman he met during a police operation while serving as a road patrol deputy.

According to court documents, Lynch allegedly made sexually inappropriate remarks to the woman and made multiple attempts to sexually assault her. The woman stated she felt threatened by Lynch and even witnessed him trying to unlawfully enter her residence.

Lynch was taken into custody on April 20, 2023, and initially faced charges of criminal mischief in the fourth degree and official misconduct, leading to his placement on unpaid leave.

Following legal procedures, Lynch’s charges were amended to a single charge of harassment in the second degree, resulting in no jail time but a one-year conditional discharge. Additionally, an order of protection safeguarding the woman has been issued against Lynch.

Former Deputy Brian Lynch voluntarily resigned from the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office in January, subsequent to the investigation.

The woman has initiated legal action against the Sheriff’s Office and Onondaga County, alleging negligence in providing her protection from Lynch.