St. Lawrence Co. DA hosts press conference regarding Ivy Ridge Academy

OGDENSBURG, N.Y. (WWTI) — An official investigation is underway in St. Lawrence County.

The St. Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office hosted a press conference on March 11 in regards to the Netflix documentary series “The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping.”

The series details alleged abuse at the former Academy at Ivy Ridge outside of Ogdensburg, New York.

In the series, former attendees talk about alleged physical and sexual abuse by former staff members. The former students return to the academy to enter abandoned buildings.

Six days after the series debuted on Netflix, St. Lawrence County District Attorney confirmed that a multi-agency criminal investigation will commence at the former boarding school location.

Last week, North Country Assemblyman Scott Gray called for the state attorney general’s office to investigate the alleged abuse at Ivy Ridge.

The situation portrayed at the now-closed Academy at Ivy Ridge is very serious. The Academy at Ivy Ridge was shut down approximately 15 years ago. The reported incidents are unfortunate and should not be taken lightly. I firmly believe those who feel aggrieved should be encouraged to pursue the appropriate channels, including seeking redress through the attorney general or any other avenues they deem fit.

Assemblyman Scott Gray

These former students claim to have found documents and videos that show physical, mental and sexual abuse. The school closed down in 2009 and the property was listed as for sale on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

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