Watertown Police Department Announces Arrest in Online Predation Case

Watertown, NY— The Watertown Police Department has announced the arrest of John Nathan Law, 36, of 204 S. Pleasant Street, following an investigation into an online attempted rape.

On February 17, 2025, the department was contacted by members of Nicky Sal, an online watchdog group, who reported that Mr. Law had engaged in explicit online communication with an account he believed belonged to a 13-year-old girl. According to investigators, Mr. Law attempted to arrange a meeting with the purported minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual intercourse.

Following the investigation, Mr. Law was charged with Attempted Rape in the First Degree, a Class C felony under New York State law. He was arraigned in Watertown City Court and remanded to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility on $10,000 bail.

“This arrest underscores our continued commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community from online predators,” said Detective Lieutenant Joseph A. Giaquinto, who is overseeing the case.

POLICE BLOTTER – WATERTOWN & NYSP TROOP D

WATERTOWN POLICE – JULY 16, 2025

Animal Cruelty Arrest
Watertown Police arrested Jimmie Chaple, 78, of 1005 Washington Street, on July 16 at 1:15 p.m. after he allegedly left a small dog locked in a parked vehicle at 751 Waterman Drive without ventilation, water, or relief. The vehicle’s interior temperature reached between 119°F and 140°F while the outside temperature was 88°F. Chaple was charged with torturing and injuring animals, a Class A misdemeanor, and held pending arraignment in CAP Court.

Criminal Mischief Arrest
Police arrested Whesley Samuel Rivera, 29, of 140 High Street, Apt. 3, on July 16 at approximately 7:15 p.m. Rivera is accused of intentionally striking the rear windshield of a 2017 Dodge Journey with a skateboard, causing damage, during an incident at 814 Academy Street. He was charged with criminal mischief in the fourth degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and held for arraignment in CAP Court.

Traffic Violations
At 6:50 p.m. on July 16, police stopped Edward Michael Weston Jr. at 500 Emerson Street for multiple vehicle and traffic law violations. Weston was cited for operating without insurance, dirty or covered license plate, and an equipment violation for safety glass. He was released on appearance tickets returnable to Watertown City Court on August 5 at 9:00 a.m.

NYSP TROOP D – JULY 9–12, 2025

Petit Larceny Arrest – Fulton
On July 9 at 9:39 p.m., State Police in Fulton arrested Thomas Barrington Mason, 20, for petit larceny after an alleged theft. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Insurance Fraud Arrest – Lowville
On July 9 at 9:54 a.m., troopers arrested Marcus J. Lane, 44, in the town of Lowville for insurance fraud in the third degree, a felony. Lane was released on his own recognizance.

Juvenile Arrest – Phoenix
State Police arrested a 14-year-old juvenile on July 9 in the village of Phoenix for petit larceny. The youth was issued a family court appearance ticket.

Lost/Stolen Plates Incident – Hounsfield
On July 9, troopers responded to a report of lost or stolen license plates in the town of Hounsfield. Clarence Donald Watson, 52, was cited for related violations.

Animal Cruelty Arrest – Le Ray
On July 11 at 11:57 a.m., troopers in Le Ray arrested Tyler O. Makuch, 40, for torturing or injuring animals/failure to provide sustenance, a misdemeanor. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Sex Abuse Arrest – Pulaski
On July 11 at 11:15 a.m., State Police arrested Alan P. Willcox, 70, of Pulaski on felony charges of first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. He was held for central arraignment.

Domestic Arrest – Watertown
At 2:14 a.m. on July 12, troopers arrested Wayne F. Livingston, 57, in the town of Watertown for criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, a misdemeanor. Livingston was held for central arraignment.

Multiple Charges – Watertown
On July 11 at 4:37 p.m., troopers arrested Daniel J. Racalto, 54, in the town of Watertown for petit larceny, obstructing governmental administration, and resisting arrest. He was released with an appearance ticket.

Watertown Police Arrest Local Man for Attempted Dissemination of Indecent Materials to Minors and Failure to Register Social Media Accounts

WATERTOWN, NY – The Watertown Police Department has announced the arrest of Paul John Avallone, age 67, of 140 Polk Street, Apartment 2, Watertown, NY, following an investigation into online crimes against minors and violations of the New York State Sex Offender Registry requirements.

On February 17, 2025, the department was contacted by members of Nicky Sal, an online watchdog group, regarding an alleged attempt to disseminate indecent materials to minors. Investigators determined that Avallone engaged in explicit conversations with an account he believed belonged to a 13-year-old female and attempted to solicit nude images.

During the investigation, authorities also discovered that Avallone had failed to register multiple social media accounts as required by state law.

Avallone has been charged with the following:

• Attempted Disseminating Indecent Materials to Minors in the Second Degree (Class A misdemeanor)

• Failure to Register and Verify a Social Media Account (three counts)

• Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in the First Degree (Class E felony)

Avallone was arraigned in Watertown City Court and remanded to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility without bail.

The Watertown Police Department commends the vigilance of community watchdog groups in assisting with investigations involving the safety of minors.

Nicky Sal's Video: