A Utica firefighter pleaded not guilty Thursday to three misdemeanor charges stemming from a Jan. 6 incident in which he allegedly harassed a female co-worker.
The defendant, Richard Forte, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, offering a false written statement and third-degree criminal tampering. He surrendered to police Thursday morning prior to arraignment in Utica City Court.
Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara previously said the case involved a female firefighter who “found ejaculate on an extra pair of her pants” after returning from going out on a call with the department. He said the pants were cargo pants the female firefighter purchased independently as a substitute for department-issued pants that did not fit her as well, and were kept in a private room of the station house that she uses when she works a 24-hour shift.