Assistant US Attorney charged after graduation party in Cazenovia

Cazenovia (WSYR-TV) – Assistant US attorney Craig Benedict was charged early Sunday morning after a large graduation party at his Cazenovia residence.

Authorities say Benedict was present at the party, which he hosted to celebrate his son’s graduation from Christian Brothers Academy.

Sheriff's Deputies, with the assistance of Village of Cazenovia Police, responded to the residence due to reports of a large party and an assault at that party. Images on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter indicate that many young people attended the party.

Police estimate between 100 and 200 people were at the residence.

Benedict had no comment on the party, but his attorney Art Bigsby did shed some light on what happened at the party.

On Benedict’s 25-acre property, someone called 911 at around 1:30 Sunday morning to report a loud party and an assault. Bigsby says uninvited guests showed up and one of Benedict’s sons was assaulted. However, Bigsby, nor the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, are willing to offer any information on the 2nd degree criminal nuisance charge.

According to law, a 2nd degree criminal nuisance offense is when someone knowingly or recklessly creates or maintains a condition which endangers the safety or health of a considerable number of persons, or, knowingly conducts or maintains any premises, place or resort where persons gather for purposes of engaging in unlawful conduct.

When pressed about whether or not the charge had to do with underage drinking, Bigsby would only say that they’re cooperating with the investigation, which is ongoing.