A lawsuit has been filed by a woman against a former Onondaga County Sheriff’s deputy, the Sheriff’s Office, and the county, alleging that the ex-deputy engaged in stalking and sexual assault. Deputy Lynch was among the officers who responded to an incident where the woman’s ex-boyfriend reportedly stole her car following an argument on March 21. The woman claimed that she and Lynch had a “flirtatious” interaction, after which he sought her out on social media and sent inappropriate messages.
Following an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division, Lynch was found to have behaved in a manner inconsistent with the Sheriff’s Office standards. He faced charges of criminal mischief in the fourth degree and official misconduct, leading to his placement on unpaid leave. Lynch later admitted guilt to harassing the woman in court and was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge, prompting his resignation from the sheriff’s office and a prohibition from serving as a police officer in New York.
In the lawsuit, the woman is identified as S.K. to safeguard her identity. The legal action alleges that Lynch made explicit sexual remarks about her body and offered to help her if she cooperated shortly after the initial incident. Lynch persistently messaged the woman, pushing her to request further police involvement, which she repeatedly declined due to fear of his authority. Despite her refusals, Lynch attempted to sexually assault her on various occasions while at her home under the guise of official duties.
The lawsuit also targets the Sheriff’s Office and Onondaga County for allegedly allowing an agent to repeatedly visit the woman’s home, contact her via electronic means, and utilize state resources to communicate with her during Lynch’s harassment and assault campaign. It asserts that the Sheriff’s Office was aware or should have been aware of Lynch’s predatory behavior towards vulnerable women encountered during his duties but failed to intervene.
The lawsuit contends that both defendants had a duty to protect the woman and neglected to do so, leading to physical, emotional, and psychological harm. Lynch was reported to have checked into a rehabilitation facility in Florida in May, with authorities clarifying that due to facing misdemeanor charges, he was permitted to travel unrestricted under state law.