Lodi man arrested for “horrific” sexual abuse

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that an investigation into domestic violence that began on 12/17/2011 has culminated into the arrest of a Lodi man for four counts of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child—(class AII felonies). Arrested was Timothy L Knapp, age 37, of Lodi New York The following is a recap of this lengthy and intense investigation.On 12/17/2011 Sheriff’s deputies responded to a Town of Lodi residence for a report of domestic violence. At that time Knapp was arrested for two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The allegations were that Knapp punched a 13 year old female in the mouth and also used her to drive him around in a car. Knapp was committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $5,000.00 cash bail or $10,000 secured bond. The case was turned over Sheriff’s investigators for follow up as there was suspicion of further abuse.Numerous interviews of children and adults were conducted over the course of several days. Evidence of further crimes committed by Knapp was uncovered. On 01/19/2012 Knapp was arrested again by Sheriff’s investigators with the additional charges of Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Circulation and five counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The allegations were that Knapp punched an eleven year old child in the chest and repeatedly spit in her face, and choked a seven year old female picking her up by her neck. Also alleged was domestic violence toward an adult female committed in the presence of several children. Knapp was again arraigned and was committed to the Correctional Facility on $20,000 cash or $40,000 secured bond.Sheriff’s investigators joined forces with the Elmira Police Department and the Chemung County District Attorney’s Office as they uncovered evidence of sexual abuse that occurred in several different jurisdictions including the City of Elmira. Alleged were incidents that Knapp subjected an eleven year old female to numerous incidents of sexual activity and conduct. A horrific account of children and an adult female being sexually and physically abused unfolded as investigators continued with the case.On 03/09/2012 Knapp was turned over to Elmira Police Department from the Seneca County Correctional Facility on a warrant alleging four counts of Predatory Sexual Abuse Against a Child. Knapp was subsequently arraigned in Chemung County and committed on $30,000 cash, $60,000 secured bond.Sheriff Jack Stenberg credited a thorough investigation and excellent cooperation between agencies for Knapp’s arrests.Also involved in the investigation were the Seneca County District Attorney’s Office and the Seneca County Child Protection Services unit.