Undercover cop investigates abuse at NY school featured in Netflix's 'The Program'

Undercover copPhoto byThibault PeninonUnsplash

This article was written with the help of A.I. software.

The new Netflix documentary series "The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping" follows the story of a district attorney in Upstate New York as he investigates allegations of abuse at a school that was featured in the show.

Following the publication of the limited series last week, New York State Police, the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, the St. Lawrence County District Attorney's Office, and the St. Lawrence County Public Information Officers convened a news conference in Canton on Monday, according to WWNY. While attending the boarding school from 2001 to 2009, students at the old Academy at Ivy Ridge in Oswegatchie, close to Ogdensburg, claimed experiencing sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.

After the school collapsed in 2009, "The Program" follows a group of former students as they scavenge around the crumbling campus. Former Ivy Ridge student and director of the three-part documentary Katherine Kubler claims that her team discovered records and footage of abuse at the school, including whipping by teachers, isolation from the outside world, and a "no camera" chamber where the majority of the alleged abuse occurred.

Time reports that Ivy Ridge advertised itself as a therapeutic institution that would help problematic youths modify their conduct via punitive measures. However, personnel reportedly brought pupils to the school while shackled, subjecting them to distress and forcing them to participate in cult-like activities. Since the school does not have the proper licencing, certification, or registration from the New York State Department of Education, students did not get college-transferable degrees.

After realizing there was a lack of resources to assist explain what happened to her to loved ones and warn people about these sites, Kubler created the series, she told the outlet. We need to find other alternatives since there aren't many decent options for families in distress, which is why this business exists.

St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua has said that his office is looking into the allegations, but he has also asked the public to refrain from trespassing on the Ivy Ridge site and from harassing anyone, particularly those who were employed there in the past. "No trespassing" signs have been placed around the old academy, according to WWNY.

Photo byEmily MorteronUnsplash

After seeing some of the content in those films, I can already feel the response. However, Pasqua emphasized that this should not be used as an excuse to harass individuals or businesses. I implore you. Go ahead and perform our jobs.

If you were a victim of abuse at Ivy Ridge, Pasqua did ask that you contact his Canton office.

In 2005, after reports of a disturbance at Ivy Ridge, the school was allegedly investigated by the New York State Attorney General's Office, as reported by North Country Public Radio. The state ceased awarding certificates from the institution and the school was fined $250,000.

In 2009, Ivy Ridge was punished by the NY AG's Office for providing phony degrees, which led to its closure, according to WWTI.

State Attorney General Letitia James was urged by North Country-based New York State Assemblyman Scott Gray to launch a fresh, "comprehensive investigation" into the Ivy Ridge case.

"We must prioritize the accountability of those responsible and the safety of everyone impacted by what happened at the Academy," in statement of Gray. Additionally, this is the exact reason why there has to be openness and supervision of the programs that help our most vulnerable citizens, whether they young people or the elderly, and whether they are coping with mental health or drug abuse problems. So that things like this don't happen again, I will keep fighting for people of all walks of life.