Bender resigns following guilty plea

CANTON — St. Lawrence County deputy highway superintendent Karl O. Bender resigned Wednesday following his admission to participating in zapping a 16-year-old boy wearing a dog shock collar on his genitals.

The resignation comes a week after Mr. Bender, 43, of 510 Bigelow St., Ogdensburg, pleaded guilty in Ogdensburg City Court to a reduced charge of second-degree harassment, a violation. He was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge and paid a $270 fine.

Mr. Bender was suspended by the county April 7 for 30 days without pay pending further action. St. Lawrence County Administrator Karen M. St. Hilaire said the resignation was effective immediately.

Mr. Bender oversaw the county's solid waste department, which operates transfer stations in Lisbon, Massena, Star Lake and Gouverneur, for several years and worked for AOK Engineering of Ogdensburg.

"At this point, we wish Karl the best," Ms. St. Hilaire said. "We will be moving forward in looking to fill the position with a qualified engineer."

Mr. Bender will receive pay from accrued vacation and personal time, she said.