A Madison County fire chief is charged with inappropriate contact with minor, deputies say

Eaton Fire District Chief

The Eaton Fire District Chief, John Latham, was arrested Monday, Dec. 5, on charges he had inappropriate contact with a minor. Provided photo from the Madison County Sheriff's Office.

Eaton, N.Y. - The Eaton Fire District Chief was arrested Monday on charges he had inappropriate contact with a minor, deputies said.

John T. Latham, 53, of Eaton, gave a 16-year-old female marijuana before inappropriately touching her, according to a news release Wednesday from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

Latham was charged with the following misdemeanors:

  • One count of endangering the welfare of a child
  • One count of forcible touching
  • One count of third-degree criminal sale of cannabis
  • One count of third-degree sexual abuse

Latham was arraigned in Madison County CAP Court and was released on his own recognizance. Deputies ask those with information regarding the allegations to contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at 315-366-2311.

Staff writer Darian Stevenson covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at dstevenson@syracuse.com

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