U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman | U.S. Department of Justice
Danning Lake, an 86-year-old resident of Scotia, New York, has pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact. The plea was announced by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, along with Thomas Gibbons, Chief of the Department of Veterans Affairs Police at Stratton VA Medical Center, and Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri from the Northeast Field Office for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.
Lake admitted to grabbing the breast of a nursing student on February 29, 2024, while she was providing him medical care at the Albany VA Medical Center. He reportedly asked her if she liked it and commented that "they feel nice." When questioned by a VA Police Officer, Lake stated he would repeat his actions if given another chance. His mental state was not influenced by medication, age, or illness; he acted for his own sexual gratification without consent.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 20, 2025. Lake could face up to two years in prison, a fine reaching $250,000, and up to one year of supervised release. The sentence will be determined by a judge based on statutory guidelines and other factors. Additionally, Lake will be required to register as a sex offender following this conviction.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs Police Department and Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan S. Reiner and Tamara B. Thomson are handling the prosecution.
