Posted on: June 04, 2025 08:20 AM

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State Police investigate a kidnapping in the village of Tupper lake

On June 1, 2025, State Police arrested Jose L. Acosta, 31, of Hartford, CT; David M. Clark, 48, of Tupper Lake, NY; and a 17-year-old male from Hartford, CT. They were charged with Kidnapping in the second degree and Conspiracy in the fourth degree.

On May 31, 2025, State Police received reports of a possible kidnapping. An investigation revealed that the victim had been taken from the city of Plattsburgh to a residence on Water Street in the village of Tupper Lake by multiple suspects and was being held against their will.

During the altercation, the victim's clothing was forcibly removed, and they were choked unconscious and forced into an SUV. While in the vehicle, the victim was threatened with a knife, resulting in scratch marks on their neck and stomach. The victim was also stabbed in the buttocks area, causing a small laceration. Eventually, the victim managed to escape from a residence on Water Street where Acosta, Clark, and the 17-year-old were present, taking advantage of the others being asleep.

Following the incident, State Police executed multiple search warrants, leading to the response of the Tri-County Special Response Team (SRT) on Main Street in Tupper Lake for a search of the residence. On June 1, 2025, Acosta and the 17-year-old were taken into custody without incident, while Clark was apprehended during a traffic stop.

Acosta, Clark, and the 17-year-old were arraigned in the Town of Malone Court. Acosta was remanded to Franklin County Jail without bail due to two prior felony convictions. Clark was remanded to Franklin County Jail on a cash bail of $50,000, a secured bond of $100,000, or an unsecured bond of $200,000. The 17-year-old was also remanded to Franklin County Jail under the same bail conditions but was placed in the custody of the Sheriff’s Department solely for transport. He was subsequently released to the custody of probation for temporary housing until his scheduled court appearance in Youth Part Court.

Further investigation determined Kurt G. Ackerman, age 31, of Plattsburgh, NY, who is a coconspirator, was also arrested during a traffic stop in Plattsburgh on June 1, 2025.  He was subsequently charged with Kidnapping in the second degree and Conspiracy in the fourth degree.   

This is an ongoing investigation.

From NYSP