Upstate NY police officer admits endangering child

HERKIMER -- An upstate New York police officer has pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child.

Ilion Officer Philip Spaman of Herkimer is expected to be sentenced to three years on probation when he's sentenced March 23 on the misdemeanor charge. The plea bargain came Tuesday as the 47-year-old officer was about to go to trial in Herkimer

County on the endangering count and a misdemeanor charge of forcible touching.

Prosecutors said the charges involved encounters with a 17-year-old boy between September 2007 and October 2008.

It isn't known whether the suspended 12-year veteran will keep is job. Ilion police Chief Timothy Parisi says his department will now launch an investigation.

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