Sheriff’s Deputy from Lee Center has been taken into custody, arraigned on attempted murder and arson charges in Utica residential fire; Sheriff Maciol calls act a “betrayal” to Oath of Office

UTICA- An Oneida County Sheriff’s Deputy from the local area has been indicted by a grand jury for allegedly setting a home ablaze in early April.

Though the Utica City Police Department says an investigation is on-going, authorities say enough evidence has been obtained to arrest and charge Aaron Alshaman, 29, of Lee Center, NY with counts of attempted murder in the second-degree and arson in the second-degree.

The fire in question was set during the overnight hours of April 9 at 1117 Kellogg Ave, the Utica Police Department said.

Fortunately, the homeowner managed to call 9-1-1 and escape with her infant child and two parents. Thanks to a rapid response, firefighters managed to save the home from total destruction.

It’s reported that Alshaman and the victim of this fire share a child between them. Furthermore, investigation suggests that Alshaman had recently been served with custody papers some time prior to the flames being set.

Only a few hours after the flames were doused, firefighters were able to determine that the blaze was likely set intentionally.

Security camera footage obtained from around the block shows a figure starting the fire and the same figure carrying a gas can, investigators said.

Through the Oneida County Sheriff’s Automatic Vehicle Location system, police also discovered that Alshaman’s patrol cruiser was parked only a block away at the time of the fire.

Authorities say they have secured other electronic devices as evidence, such as cellphones, smart watches, body worn camera data and etc. Utica Police Department says much of this evidence cannot be disclosed at the time as further forensic evaluation is needed, but also further implicates that Alshaman was allegedly involved in this crime.

In a statement released from Sheriff Maciol, it was made clear that Alshaman was on duty when the incident occurred and that this act was a “blatant betrayal” to an oath of office. “I am shocked and profoundly disheartened by the serious criminal charges levied against Aaron Alshaman in this indictment,” he emphasized.

Read the Sheriff's full statement below:

“I am shocked and profoundly disheartened by the serious criminal charges levied against Aaron Alshaman in this indictment. Such heinous conduct, while on duty, is in complete violation of the values we uphold and is a blatant betrayal of his Oath of Office. We are cooperating fully with the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office and the Utica Police Department and we support a swift and transparent legal process. There is no place in law enforcement for anyone who abuses their position of trust and there is no place in this profession for anyone who violates their solemn promise to protect the community. This is no reflection on the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office who loyally put their lives on the line each and every day serving our community. Our thoughts are with the victims and we are dedicated to helping them navigate through this difficult time.”

Utica Police says they received assistance through the State Police, the Sheriff’s Office and the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office.

Utica City Police Department image.