State Police Arrest Donald Hopkins for Public Lewdness and Forcible Touching on I-87
On June 21, 2025, State Police arrested and processed Donald Hopkins, 74, of Suffern, in connection with an incident that occurred on June 19, 2025, in the town of Clarkstown, New York. According to available details, at approximately 1:00 p.m. on that day, the victim was transporting Hopkins in their vehicle along I-87 southbound while en route to an appointment in Yonkers. During the ride, Hopkins allegedly inappropriately touched the victim and exposed himself without consent.
Overview of Charges
Hopkins faces charges of Public Lewdness and Forcible Touching. Public lewdness in New York is defined as the intentional exposure of intimate parts or the deliberate commission of lewd acts in a public or quasi-public setting. This offense is categorized as a Class B Misdemeanor and may result in up to 90 days in jail along with additional penalties such as fines or probation.
Forcible Touching, classified as a Class A Misdemeanor, involves intentionally and without consent touching another person’s intimate parts for sexual gratification or degradation. This charge carries a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail and may include probation, fines, and in some cases, a requirement to register as a sex offender. Legal statutes in New York specify that even minimal physical contact that qualifies as forced contact can result in such charges.
Incident Details and Law Enforcement Response
State Police reports indicate that the incident unfolded during the victim’s ride on I-87 southbound when Hopkins, while being a passenger, allegedly engaged in non-consensual physical behavior by exposing himself and touching the victim. The victim, whose account triggered the investigation, alerted law enforcement, prompting immediate police action. Hopkins was arrested at the scene and processed by officers shortly thereafter.
After a preliminary investigation verified the account of the incident, Hopkins was issued an appearance ticket. He is scheduled to appear in Clarkstown Town Court on July 7, 2025, where the charges of Public Lewdness (a Class B Misdemeanor) and Forcible Touching (a Class A Misdemeanor) will be formally addressed.
Legal Context and Implications
New York law treats offenses of public lewdness with considerable seriousness due to their potential impact on public safety and community standards of decency. Individuals charged with public lewdness are confronted with legal consequences that might include incarceration, probation, fines, and other community service measures. In instances where the offense involves forcible touching—a charge that underscores the violation of personal boundaries and safety—the legal repercussions are more severe. Convictions on such charges can lead to enhanced penalties, and in certain circumstances, may obligate the offender to register as a sex offender, thereby affecting the individual’s future employment, housing opportunities, and social integration.
The legal process is designed to ensure that the rights of both the victim and the accused are preserved while maintaining public safety. The pending court appearance will determine the precise legal outcomes based on the evidence presented.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement authorities have confirmed that the investigation into this incident remains open. While initial details have been shared with the public, further evidence is being collected, and additional charges could be considered as the investigation evolves. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from the State Police and the forthcoming court proceedings.
Authorities continue to encourage anyone with additional information related to this incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.
