Man accused of lewdness at Lake Clear Beach

A Malone man with several public-lewdness convictions reportedly exposed himself while standing in a portable toilet at Lake Clear Beach in the town of Harrietstown.

Robert P. St. Denis, 58, was charged Thursday with public lewdness, a misdemeanor, state police said. He was arraigned in Harrietstown Town Court and sent to Franklin County jail, Malone, on $35,000 bail or $70,000 bond.

Several witnesses provided troopers with information about the suspect and a vehicle description after confronting Mr. St. Denis at Lake Clear Beach about allegedly "intentionally" exposing himself. He was escorted from the beach before troopers arrived.

Troopers said they stopped his car a short time later and arrested him.

State Police Capt. Robert S. LaFountain said Friday that Mr. St. Denis has several public-lewdness convictions, but he declined to specify the number.

He also declined to release a mug shot of Mr. St. Denis because state police investigators will be doing lineups with witnesses over the coming days and did not want to compromise that inquiry.

Authorities have received several complaints this summer about similar incidents at Lake Clear Beach, troopers said. The investigation is continuing, and more charges are pending.

Anyone with information about the incidents can call state police in Ray Brook at 1 (518) 897-2000.