Syracuse, NY - A former Onondaga County Sheriff’s deputy, honored earlier this year for community service, was arrested recently and accused of harassing and stalking a suburban school bus driver.
Thomas C. Marlin, 43, of Kasson Road in Camillus, was charged last month with fourth-degree stalking, first-degree harassment and second-degree aggravated harassment.
He is accused of systematically harassing the woman since Jan. 1, 2007, through phone calls, mail, written letters, cards, text messages and email. The court papers charge Marlin’s conduct caused her to fear that she might be physically injured and that her job and career could be threatened.
The woman is employed as a bus driver with the transportation department of the West Genesee School District. One of the written statements she filed in the court case indicates Marlin also worked in that department and was president of the union to which she belonged.
Sgt. John D’Eredita, spokesman for the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed Marlin had been working as a school bus driver while employed as a deputy in the department’s aviation unit. Marlin – who authorities said had been a law enforcement officer for 22 ½ years, the last 18 with the Sheriff’s Department - retired from the department April 16, according to D’Eredita.
The District Attorney Advisory Council honored Marlin with the group’s “Community Service Award” at its May luncheon for his decision - while he was on his way home - to assist other officers in catching suspects who had robbed a man in the Camillus Walmart parking lot in January.
D’Eredita said he was unaware of the stalking allegations and the fact the complaint against Marlin covers alleged conduct dating back to January 2007.
The woman told authorities in a written statement that she met Marlin through work and that their relationship was nothing more than that of co-workers. But she contended she has been dealing with Marlin and “his unwanted friendship” since January 2007.
During 2007, Marlin was just annoying her with phone calls, emails and gifts, she noted. One of those gifts was a 42” flat-screen TV which she said she could not get Marlin to take back.
She reported she finally went to the District Attorney’s Office in April 2009 to complain about Marlin’s conduct. She indicated Marlin signed a letter at that time in which he promised to refrain from further conduct or face criminal prosecution.
According to her statement, she contends Marlin’s conduct would stop for a while and then start up again.
She went back to the District Attorney’s office this past June to again complain about Marlin’s conduct. She said Marlin ended up being suspended from work at the transportation department for a couple of months before he returned to work in October.
The unwanted contacts – by email, phone calls, cards and in person - began again last month,she told authorities. She told officials she was so frightened by Marlin’s conduct toward her at work on Nov. 19 that she ended up missing several stops on her school bus run that day.
A phone call to Marlin’s home was returned Monday by defense lawyer Michael Vavonese.
“He entered a ‘not guilty’ plea,” Vavonese said. “He has an unblemished and exemplary record both professionally and personally. He denies these allegations.”
Marlin is due back in Camillus court Jan. 12, Vavonese said.