Scotia man pleads guilty to abusive sexual contact

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- A Scotia man pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to abusive sexual conduct of an Albany VA Medical Center nurse. Danning Lake, 86, admitted to the abusive sexual conduct that happened in February.

In Lake's guilty plea, he admitted on February 29 to groping a nursing student while she was giving him medical care. Lake also told the medical center's police officer he would do the same thing again if he had the chance.

United States Attorney Carla Freedman said Lake's mental status was unaltered by medication, age, or illness when the conduct happened. Because of Lake's conviction, he must register as a sex offender.

Lake faces a sentence of up to two years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and one year of probation. His sentencing is scheduled for March 20, 2025.