BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG --  The United Methodists of Upper New York have distanced themselves from St. Lawrence County Board of Elections Republican Commissioner  Tom Nichols following his inclusion in the Netflix documentary "The Program."

Nichols, who worked as a Public Relations Coordinator for Ivy Ridge and was a county legislator at the time, was briefly interviewed during the documentary series while attending church and appeared to have no knowledge that the film crew had the intention of interviewing him prior.

The documentary details numerous alleged abuses carried out at the Academy at Ivy Ridge in Ogdensburg between 2001 to 2009.

At this time, Nichols remains in his position as elections commissioner and has not been charged or accused of any crimes, despite calls for his removal on social media. It would take an act from the Governor to remove him from the position.

Many former employees at Ivy Ridge have been facing harassment following the release of the documentary.

St. Lawrence County Sheriff Rick Engle and St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua have asked anyone who believes a crime was committed against them at Ivy Ridge to come forward. 

Conversely, they’ve asked those who do not have first hand knowledge to refrain from calling. They’ve also asked people to allow police time to investigate and to refrain from committing criminal acts such as harassing or threatening former employees.

There have also been reports that some former employees of Ivy Ridge who hold jobs at state facilities have been placed on administrative leave and at least one coach at the local school district was not brought back following the end of the basketball season.

In a statement from United Methodists of Upper New York, officials say they were made aware of the documentary that featured audio clips of the interview with Nichols while also saying that they are no longer associated with him.

"Nichols is currently associated with Galilee and Kendrew churches. Nichols and these churches disaffiliated from the Upper New York Conference and The United Methodist Church on February 9, 2024. Nichols’ prior work at the Academy was independent and never endorsed by the Upper New York Conference," officials wrote.

 United Methodists of Upper New York is comprised of 675 churches in 49 of the 62 counties in New York State

United Methodist Church credentialed pastors are required to undergo and complete "a thorough process" that includes mentoring, a criminal background check, psychological assessment and other requirements.

"Upper New York had no knowledge of the events portrayed in the docuseries and no knowledge of Nichols’ involvement in the alleged abuse," church officials wrote.

Nichols offered the following comment in regard to the letter issued by the church:

“The comments are not only inaccurate but slanderous,” he said. Nichols added that he did not have more to say on the matter at this time.

"United Methodists of Upper New York are committed to ensure the safety and well-being of the people we serve, especially the most vulnerable among us. Our congregations are required to enact a Safe Sanctuary policy to reduce the risk of abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults participating in the ministries of our churches, districts, agencies, and ministry groups," they continued.

United Methodists of Upper New York. The statement added that members  "stand with those harmed by the alleged abuse and questionable practices portrayed in the documentary and recommit ourselves to confront abuse in all the ways it manifests in our society."