On October 28, 2025, St. John Fisher University security contacted the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and reported that they believed known offender, Shalom Mathews, was on the campus earlier in the week. Mathews is a former student who was banned from the campus following an arrest for an attempted knife attack of a staff member on February 28, 2024. In connection with the attack, Mathews was arrested for Attempted Kidnapping 2nd degree (Class C-Felony) and Attempted Sexual Abuse 1st degree (Class E-Felony). A judge issued an order of protection protecting the staff member and prohibiting Mathews from being on campus. The University also expelled Matthews.

MCSO conducted a joint investigation with St. John Fisher Campus Security and confirmed Mathews violated the order of protection when he drove onto the campus in his vehicle on the morning of October 24, 2025.

Mathews is currently on probation for the original knife attack was taken into custody:

Shalom J. Mathews, 20, of Brighton was arrested and charged with:

  • Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree (Class A-Misdemeanor)
  • Trespass (Violation) 

Mathews was transported to Monroe County CAP Court on the evening of October 29, 2025, and was arraigned in Monroe County CAP Court this morning. Mathews was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court on November 13. This case outlines another example of the need for a dangerousness and repeat offender standard.

“Mathews is a repeat offender with a history of dangerous behavior to include stalking," states Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “Having the audacity to return to the same campus he was banned from after he attacked a woman is unacceptable. With a dangerousness standard, which New York State is the only state in the country that does not have one, the previous attack could be considered at his arraignment on this new charge. A dangerousness standard could have prevented Mathews from walking free today to possibly re-offend.”

MCSO would like to thank St. John Fisher Campus Security for its assistance with this investigation and resulting arrest.

Deputy David Marcucci
Public Information Officer
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
MCSOCommunications@monroecounty.gov
(585) 753-4840

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Previous News Release:

On February 29, 2024 at 12:35 a.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies located St. John Fisher University suspect Shalom J. Mathews,19, Brighton, in a parking lot at 950 Jefferson Rd., Henrietta.

Through the use of technology, old fashioned police work, and collaboration, deputies developed a suspect and worked through the night to locate the individual. While on patrol, deputies located Mathews’ vehicle on Jefferson Rd. and made a traffic stop, detained him, and transported him to our A-Zone Substation for questioning. Following a thorough investigation, deputies arrested Mathews, a commuter student at St. John Fisher University.

Shalom J. Mathews is charged with:

  • Attempted Kidnapping 2nd degree (Class C-Felony)
  • Attempted Sexual Abuse 1st degree (Class E-Felony)

MCSO is grateful for a vigilant community and thankful no one was seriously injured as a result of Mathews’ actions when he displayed a knife before a staff member at the Wegmans School of Pharmacy on campus. The St. John Fisher University campus was immediately asked to shelter in place. Through our collaboration with St. John Fisher University Security, New York State Police and our K9 units, including our bloodhound Peak, the campus was deemed secure last evening following a thorough search for the suspect with negative results. It was determined there was no longer a credible threat on campus and the shelter in place was lifted.

“The tenacity of our deputies and investigators, as well as our partnerships with area law enforcement and St. John Fisher University, led to the quick arrest of this individual,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “The Regional Investigative Operations Center (RIOC) was helpful in identifying information in a timely fashion and is one example of how this asset will continue to aid investigators in our area moving forward. We are especially grateful no one was seriously injured, and appreciate the cooperation and patience of the campus community.”

Mathews was arraigned in Pittsford Town Court and remanded to the Monroe County Jail on $30K cash, $75K bond, $200K partially secured bond. The court issued a Stay Away Order of Protection for the victim.

Anyone who may have additional concerning information regarding this individual, please call 911.

Initial Media Blast (02.28.24)

On February 28, 2024, at 5:36 p.m. Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies responded to St. John Fisher University campus for the report of an individual with a knife. An individual gained access to a staff member's office and displayed a knife. Fortunately, the employee was able to avoid injury and safely disarm the individual. The campus was put into lockdown for the safety of students and staff. A perimeter was established while deputies, along with K9 units, New York State Police, and St. John Fisher University Security, completed a thorough search of the campus and buildings. Once the campus was declared safe, the lockdown was lifted. Deputies will continue to patrol the St. John Fisher University campus through the night to ensure the safety of the students. We ask everyone to remain vigilant and if they see anything suspicious, to call 911.

Amy Young
Communications Director
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
MCSOCommunications@monroecounty.gov
(585) 753-4518