By David LaGuerre

Details of the Incident

A Cortland man is facing multiple charges after state troopers responded to a report of a menacing incident on State Route 13 in Cortlandville. According to a statement from police, Spencer L. Dafoe, 34, was taken into custody on June 19, 2025. The incident occurred on June 17, when troopers from SP Homer arrived at the scene following a report that Dafoe had menaced a victim using a handgun.

The victim, who is protected under a court-ordered full stay-away order, was threatened during the altercation. As such, the court order was explicitly intended to prevent any form of contact or intimidation. Despite this, Dafoe’s actions led to an escalation that compelled law enforcement to act swiftly.

Charges Filed

Police officials have charged Dafoe with several offenses stemming from this incident. The charges include:

• Criminal Contempt in the First Degree – a class “E” felony charge. This offense is generally applied when someone knowingly violates a legally binding court order, such as a stay-away order designed to protect another individual.
• Menacing with a Weapon in the Second Degree – a misdemeanor charge. This allegation arises from the act of threatening a victim with a gun, an action that can instill fear of imminent bodily harm.
• Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree – a misdemeanor, reflecting an outstanding warrant related to the violation of the full stay-away order when Dafoe made contact with the victim.

After processing the charges, Dafoe was transported to the Cortland County Jail for a centralized arraignment, a court appearance where he will be formally presented with the charges and asked to enter a plea.

Investigation Status

The investigation is continuing, and details beyond the initial report are limited. In the statement released by police, officials emphasized the seriousness with which violations of protection orders are treated. The incident underscores the critical role these orders play in safeguarding community members, and the legal consequences for those who disregard them.

There has been no indication of injuries resulting from the incident, and law enforcement is maintaining its focus on ensuring the safety of the affected parties as well as the community at large.

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