Deputy Indicted for Arson and Attempted Murder in Kellogg Avenue Fire

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Utica, NY — On April 9, 2025, at approximately 4:32 a.m., Utica Police and Utica Fire Department were dispatched to a residence at 1117 Kellogg Avenue after a 911 call reported a house fire. The homeowner, overwhelmed by smoke, managed to flee the residence with her infant child and two parents before first responders arrived.

Utica Fire crews arrived quickly and were able to extinguish the blaze, preventing a total loss of the home.

Later that day, investigators determined the fire was likely an act of arson. The victim, when asked if she suspected anyone, stated she had no specific suspect but noted that the father of her child, 29-year-old Oneida County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Alshaman of Lee Center, had recently been served with custody papers related to their child.

Surveillance footage from nearby homes was recovered as part of the investigation. One video from Downer Avenue showed a figure in the rear of the residence appearing to ignite the fire before the home became engulfed in flames. Another video from Kellogg Avenue captured an individual walking toward the home carrying a gas can, then fleeing in a southerly direction minutes later.

As the investigation continued, attention turned toward Alshaman's potential involvement. Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) data revealed that Alshaman’s marked sheriff’s vehicle was parked in a lot one street over at the time of the fire. The vehicle was seen leaving the area shortly after the fire began.

Investigators secured a significant amount of electronic evidence, including cell phones, smartwatches, surveillance recordings, body-worn camera data, and forensic downloads from the sheriff’s vehicle. While officials have withheld further details due to the ongoing case, they confirmed that the evidence further implicates Alshaman.

In late April, the case was presented to the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office. A grand jury indictment was handed down and a warrant was executed on May 8, 2025. Alshaman was taken into custody and booked at the Utica Police Department before being arraigned in Oneida County Court.

Charges Against Aaron Alshaman Include:

• Four counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree

• Arson in the Second Degree

Utica Police Chief Mark Williams praised the work of the department’s Criminal Investigations Division and extended special thanks to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol for his cooperation and support throughout the investigation. Chief Williams also thanked the New York State Police for technical assistance and the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office for its legal guidance.

In a public statement, Sheriff Maciol expressed deep disappointment:

》“I am shocked and profoundly disheartened by the serious criminal charges levied against Aaron Alshaman in this indictment. Such heinous conduct, while on duty, is in complete violation of the values we uphold and is a blatant betrayal of his Oath of Office."

》"We are cooperating fully with the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office and the Utica Police Department and we support a swift and transparent legal process. There is no place in law enforcement for anyone who abuses their position of trust and no place in this profession for anyone who violates their solemn promise to protect the community."

》"This is no reflection on the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office who loyally put their lives on the line each and every day serving our community. Our thoughts are with the victims, and we are dedicated to helping them navigate through this difficult time.”

The case remains under active investigation.