Former Ivy Ridge staff who work at St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center placed on leave

Mar. 15—OGDENSBURG — An unknown number of employees of the former Academy at Ivy Ridge who currently work at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center have been placed on leave in the wake of the Netflix documentary series, "The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping," which details physical, mental and sexual abuse at the academy.

A statement from a spokesperson for Gov. Kathleen C. Hochul did not specify how many employees were placed on leave, but included that state workers undergo background checks prior to being hired and that the state Office of Mental Health, which oversees the Psychiatric Center, had no oversight of the private boarding institution.

"OMH takes allegations of abuse or neglect seriously, and takes measures to ensure state workers who have direct patient contact are thoroughly vetted, fingerprinted and undergo a criminal background check. The now-closed Ivy Ridge was a private facility. During its operations OMH had no oversight over the staff or their treatment of youth. We have placed individuals on leave as we assess this matter," the statement reads.

The spokesperson added that OMH employees are "cross referenced against the Justice Center's Staff Exclusion List and the state's Child Abuse Registry before they are hired."

OMH will not "publicly discuss the specific employment history of any current or former employees."

Released on March 5, the documentary series details physical, emotional and sexual abuse the filmmakers say happened to numerous teenagers held at the Academy at Ivy Ridge behavior modification center between 2001 and 2009, when it closed.

Many former Ivy Ridge students have taken to social media to tell their stories and have named employees who worked there. Several reportedly now work at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center.

Both Ogdensburg City Police and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office have received complaints from former Academy at Ivy Ridge workers who have been harassed online.

The sheriff's office and the St. Lawrence County District Attorney's Office are investigating the abuse reports.

District Attorney Gary M. Pasqua and Sheriff Patrick "Rick" Engle held a Monday afternoon press conference and encouraged anyone who was abused at Ivy Ridge to file a criminal complaint. Their respective offices can be reached at 315-379-2222 and 315-379-2225.

The two officials said members of the public who were not at Ivy Ridge should not contact them, as it can distract from actual abuse investigations.

North country Assemblyman Scott A. Gray, R-Watertown, met with the state attorney general's office Thursday and said investigating the Academy at Ivy Ridge is a "high priority" for New York's top prosecutor.

"We've heard directly from numerous people, including members of our community, and it's evident urgent action is required," Gray said in a statement. "To effectively address these concerns, we must establish clear objectives. My aim is not only to have the truth uncovered but also to encourage unity and healing within our community. Through a comprehensive and transparent investigation, we can implement safeguards to prevent similar injustices and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation."

The assemblyman said he came out of the meeting with AG Letitia A. James' office with six objectives for the investigation: identify and halt any ongoing operations by those perpetrating this misconduct, especially the principals; pursue justice within the confines of the law; ensure the exoneration of people wrongly associated with alleged wrongdoing; facilitate community restoration and healing; extract lessons to prevent future abuse; and provide redress, especially for educational purposes.

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