Port Jervis Man Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Charges

The New York State Police Child Abuse Unit in Orange County announced that Robert Worden, 51, of Port Jervis, was arrested on Jan. 7 on allegations of sexual conduct with a child under 11 that were first reported in June 2025. Worden was charged with Sexual Abuse in the 1st Degree, a Class D felony, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor.

Following the arrest, Worden was arraigned in Middletown Central Arraignment Part and remanded to the Orange County Jail. Bail was set at $50,000 cash, $100,000 secured, or $200,000 partially secured. A subsequent court appearance is scheduled in Town of Wallkill Court for Jan. 13, 2026.

State police said the arrest was the result of an investigation by their Child Abuse Unit, working in coordination with Orange County Child Protective Services. Authorities have asked anyone with information or who may be a potential additional victim to contact their Middletown barracks as the investigation continues.

For residents of Port Jervis, Middletown, Wallkill and surrounding communities, the case underscores several immediate concerns. Parents and caregivers may feel heightened anxiety about child safety in familiar neighborhoods and institutions such as schools, after-school programs and houses of worship. Local leaders and service providers will likely face pressure to review safety protocols, vetting procedures and channels for reporting suspected abuse.

The involvement of both the State Police Child Abuse Unit and Orange County Child Protective Services highlights the multiagency response standard in serious allegations involving minors. That coordination is intended to ensure both criminal investigation and child welfare needs are addressed, including any protective measures for alleged victims and outreach to families affected by the case.

Legal proceedings are now pending, and the charges against Worden remain allegations until proven in court. The scheduled Town of Wallkill appearance on Jan. 13 will be the next public step in the criminal process. In the interim, law enforcement continues to seek information from the community to support a full investigation.

Officials recommend that anyone with relevant information contact the Middletown barracks of the New York State Police. Local service providers and school officials may also coordinate with county child protective services as they assess any implications for children in their care.