Newburgh Man Finally Labeled Sex Offender Nine Years Later

CANTON - Ryan VanBeek, a convicted sex offender who was never classified after his release from jail in 2001, was classified Thursday as a low-risk sex offender.

Mr. VanBeek, 32, Newburgh, was rated a Level 1 sex offender, considered the least likely to reoffend, during a sex offender registration hearing held Thursday in St. Lawrence County Court.

Acting County Court Judge Kathleen M. Rogers determined Mr. VanBeek scored 75 points, which falls into a Level 2 classification. The classification process uses a point system based on factors such as age, previous offenses and ages of the victims.

However, Judge Rogers decided that Mr. VanBeek should be classified a Level 1 sex offender, citing his "substantial efforts" to deal with his alcohol problem and not being arrested since the April 2000 incident. Assistant District Attorney Rosemary R. Phillips didn't oppose the lower classification.

Mr. VanBeek, then a 23-year-old soldier, was convicted in April 2001 of attempted third-degree rape, a misdemeanor. He was sentenced in St. Lawrence County Court by Judge Eugene L. Nicandri to 180 days in county jail.

He admitted trying to have sex with the 20-year-old wife of another soldier in April 2000. The incident took place in the town of Fowler during a drinking party while he was reportedly intoxicated.