Local man incarcerated at Lewis County Jail charged with criminal contempt for allegedly contacting protected party

LOWVILLE- A man from Port Leyden, NY is accused of criminal contempt for contacting a protected party, authorities say.

Justin E. Branagan, 35, was charged Tuesday by the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office for two misdemeanor counts of criminal contempt in the second-degree.

While incarcerated at the Lewis County Jail, deputies allege that Branagan contacted a protected party via telephone on two separate occasions.

The incidents reportedly occurred Tuesday morning, deputies said.

At press time, police said Branagan was processed and issued with an appearance ticket.

His charges are returnable to Lowville Town Court.

Image via the Lewis County Sheriff's Office.