Upstate NY Santa’s Workshop Owner Arrested on Sex-Related Charges

Upstate, New York Man Arrested on Grand Jury Indictment

The New York State Police have released details after an 8 month investigation into an Upstate, New York landlord.

In a press release New York State Police report they arrested 65-year-old Douglas S. Waterbury, from Oswego New York. The arrest comes after an Oswego County Grand Jury indictment that charged Waterbury with the following:

• Attempted Bribing a Witness (Class E Felony)
• Attempted Rape in the Third Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Patronizing a Person for Prostitution in the Third Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)

According to the statement, the investigation into Waterbury began on June 5th, 2025 after NYS police were "notified of a report of a sex offense that occurred on June 4, 2025."

In the statement police explain the victim was "attempting to secure new housing." The victim made contact with Waterbury by phone and " Waterbury agreed to show the victim a residential property."

However, when Waterbury picked up the victim from their home they didn't drive to the property. Waterbury "allegedly drove to an unoccupied commercial building in the town of Scriba." NYSP add:

While inside the building, Waterbury allegedly exposed himself and demanded that the victim perform an oral sex act.

You can read the full report on the New York State Police Website.

Owner of Popular Holiday Attraction Arrested

The New York State Police share that Waterbury was arraigned in Oswego County Court and was released on his own recognizance.

Waterbury is scheduled to return to County Court on April 27th, 2026.

After New York State Police released details of Waterbury's arrest, locals started reacting on social media. That's where we learned that Waterbury is the owner of a popular year-round holiday attraction.

Douglas S. Waterbury is the owner of Santa's Workshop in Wilmington New York. The Adirondack Daily Enterprise this isn't the first time Waterbury was arrested.

In 2017, during another Waterbury arrest, an employee told the Daily Enterprise that Waterbury was rarely at the holiday themed attraction.

Waterbury's was arrested in 2017 and 2019 after similar allegations.

Santa's Workshop: Upstate, NY's Holiday Year Round Attraction

Santa's Workshop has been in business for over 70 years in Wilmington, New York.

According to their website it's "the oldest continuously run theme park in the country" adding that visitors will have the opportunity to "experience classic rides, fantastic shows, quaint shops and a delightful, authentic Christmas Village that inspired even Walt Disney himself."

The holiday themed attraction is open throughout the year. Their summer hours begin July 2nd and will run through August 29th (Thursday through Sunday), fall hours start September 5th and run until October 11th (Saturday through Sunday).

Santa's Workshop is of course open during the holiday season starting November 21st and ending on December 20th on Saturday's and Sunday's.