Case ID: ad3d_127/html/1507-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Devine, J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v Jason Bower, Appellant.
    [7 NYS3d 703]
   Devine, J.

Appeal from an order of the Supreme Court (Lamont, J.), entered October 22, 2014 in Albany County, which classified defendant as a risk level two sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act.

Defendant was convicted in 2007 of various federal offenses, including one pertaining to child pornography that rendered him subject to the Sex Offender Registration Act (see 18 USC § 2252A [a] [2]; Correction Law §§ 168-a [2] [d]; 168-d). After his release from prison, the Board of Examiners of Sex Offenders prepared a risk assessment instrument that presumptively classified defendant as a risk level one sex offender. Both the Board and the People argued that an upward departure was warranted and, following a hearing, Supreme Court agreed. Supreme Court accordingly classified defendant as a risk level two sex offender. Defendant now appeals, arguing that an upward departure was not warranted.

We disagree and affirm. “Under settled law, an upward departure from a presumptive risk classification is justified when an aggravating factor exists that is not otherwise adequately taken into account by the risk assessment guidelines and the court finds that such factor is supported by clear and convincing evidence” (People v Walker, 105 AD3d 1154, 1155 [2013], lv denied 21 NY3d 857 [2013] [internal quotation marks and citation omitted]; see Correction Law § 168-n [3]; People v Gillotti, 23 NY3d 841, 861-862 [2014]). Supreme Court relied upon facts contained in the case summary and federal presentence investigation report, both of which indicated that defendant’s conviction arose from his sexually explicit online communications with an underage boy in England. The two exchanged sexually graphic images and, after the victim reached the age of consent in England, defendant made plans to meet the victim for sexual purposes. The plot was uncovered by the victim’s mother, however, and defendant was apprehended by law enforcement officials at the airport prior to his departure. Given these undisputed facts, Supreme Court appropriately found that the risk assessment instrument did not adequately take into account the nature of defendant’s conduct, and we perceive no abuse of discretion in its classification of defendant as a risk level two sex offender (see People v DeDona, 102 AD3d 58, 69-70 [2012]; People v Gosek, 98 AD3d 1309, 1310 [2012]; People v Curthoys, 77 AD3d 1215, 1216 [2010]).

McCarthy, J.P., Egan Jr. and Clark, JJ., concur.

Ordered that the order is affirmed, without costs.