Sheriff Brian Hess announces the arrest of Craig A. Kropa, 39, of New Fairfield, Connecticut, following an investigation into a public lewdness complaint in the Putnam Lake area of the Town of Patterson.
On June 10, 2026, members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Putnam Lake area after a resident reported that while walking her dogs on Lakeshore Drive, a male operating a gray SUV pulled alongside her and allegedly exposed himself while making vulgar remarks.
During the investigation, deputies obtained a witness statement and reviewed video surveillance footage from the area. Through investigative efforts conducted by Patrol and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Craig A. Kropa was identified as the suspect.
Kropa was subsequently taken into custody in connection with the incident.
Kropa was charged with:
- Public Lewdness – Class B Misdemeanor
Kropa was arraigned in the Town of Patterson Justice Court and released on his own recognizance.


