Academy at Ivy Ridge Investigation: Lawmakers want Attorney General involved

OGDENSBURG, N.Y. (WWTI) — It will likely be a lengthy investigation at the former Academy of Ivy Ridge.

A multi-agency is underway at the former boarding school in St. Lawrence County prompted by the true crime series “The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping.”

The documentary series debuted on Netflix in early March. It alleged that students were sexually, physically and psychologically abused by staff members when the school operated from 2001 to 2009.

The Academy of Ivy Ridge was marketed as a “behavior modification facility” for “troubled teens.” It was affiliated with the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools. Allegations of abuse detailed in “The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping” included poor living conditions, psychological torture, sexual abuse and violent restraint tactics.

Since the series dropped on Netflix, St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua confirmed that the county has received abuse complaints daily.

“There is a criminal investigation going on,” Pasqua said during a press conference. “We have people reaching out saying the criminal acts done to them at this location. We are still trying to get documentation out of there.”

The Academy at Ivy Ridge grounds has been abandoned since the school closed in 2009. This was when the State Attorney General’s Office fined Ivy Ridge for issuing fake diplomas.

However, because many of the abuse allegations occurred over a decade ago, Pasqua said the statute of limitations could become a factor in the ongoing investigation.

“Whether it’s for the assault or sex offenses. There is the potential for that,” Pasqua confirmed. “But I’m not going to speak specifically to it until any individual who was at Ivy Ridge has has had a chance to come forward. And we will speak to them first individually about that.”

All reasons why New York State Assemblyman Scott Gray (R) wants involvement on the state level.

Assemblyman Gray confirmed to ABC50 that is set to meet with the New York State Attorney General’s Office.

“These people that ran this organization and have created long lifetime lasting trauma for these kids,” Assemblyman Gray said. “These kids came out with diplomas that were just empty pieces of paper. I think they deserve to take some sort of action on behalf of the state.”

The St. Lawrence County District Attorney has also urged people to not contact possible suspects. He said the county has received many threat reports since the documentary was released.

People are also asked to avoid the former Academy at Ivy Ridge campus as the investigation continues.

“We need cooperation not only from those individuals if they choose to come forward, but also from the public in general to allow us to do our job,” Pasqua expressed.

Any victims of abuse are asked to contact the St. Lawrence District Attorney Office at 315-379-2225.

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