Man, 80, accused of offering boy money for sex | Crime

COHOES - William Gardner, 80, of Cohoes was released from police custody after being arraigned in Cohoes City Court on a child endangerment charge. Police said he approached a 14-year-old boy on a bike path near Alexander Street and offered him $20 to perform a sex act.

"These are very serious offenses. It's not something anyone is going to tolerate," Cohoes Mayor John McDonald said.

McDonald said the boy, a middle school student, was walking to school around 8:40 a.m. when Gardner came up to him.

McDonald said there's rarely a silver lining in these kinds of cases. But in this one, he feels there is because the alleged victim did everything right, leading to the quick capture of the suspect. He said the boy walked away and continued safely to school. He then reported the incident right away to a teacher who told the principal.

"We got the complaint, began an investigation. Subject was identified and located," Cohoes Police Chief Bill Heslin said.

Heslin added that the boy also had a great description of the suspect, which made the search even easier.

Police said Gardner admitted to the crime. He did not enter a plea. The case was adjourned. The judge issued a temporary restraining order, requiring Gardner to stay more than 100 feet away from the boy, the bike path and any school in the city of Cohoes.