![Debunked: There is No Secret Sex Cult in this Tiny Village South of Utica, New York](http://townsquare.media/site/999/files/2021/10/attachment-oriskany-falls.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Debunked: There is No Secret Sex Cult in this Tiny Village South of Utica, New York
Claims of Oriskany Falls, New York being home to a secret cult are nothing more than an urban legend.
Legend has it Oriskany Falls was home to a secret cult, a story that began at Colgate University, near the village with less than 800 people. Students use to warn one another about leaving campus, according to Weird US.
The cult is so well known on campus because its members supposedly hate the nearby university and its students and faculty.
Oriskany Falls Mayor Steve Jeffers has lived in the village his entire life and says there is no proof of any secret cult. "I heard the rumor years ago and don't know why anyone would claim that. It's hurtful. I know everyone in this village."
The Colgate Maroon News, a student newspaper, explored the famous legend in 1997, claiming “Butterflies on many of the houses represent membership in a secret cult."
The famous legend was even featured in a SUNY article that explored hidden stories in New York state.
But other than a few stories without any actual proof, the rumors are just that, rumors. And they are hurtful to everyone who lives in or has ever called Oriskany Falls home.
The tiny village isn't home to a secret cult. It's home to a community with a big heart. "Everyone knows everyone here and helps everyone when they can," said Mayor Jeffers. "We're a tight-knit community that takes pride in our hometown."
25 True Crime Locations: What Do They Look Like Today?
Leading Theories About D.B. Cooper and 30 other unsolved mysteries
More From WZOZ
![Super Heroes Humane Society Pet of the Week – Truffle](http://townsquare.media/site/454/files/2024/07/attachment-truffle.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Alert: Boy Missing from Town of Oneonta, New York](http://townsquare.media/site/454/files/2024/07/attachment-damian.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Oneonta, New York Newspaper Sees Massive Shift](http://townsquare.media/site/454/files/2024/07/attachment-allotsego.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![A Lifetime of the Blues Remembered](http://townsquare.media/site/454/files/2024/07/attachment-mayall.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Susquehanna SPCA Pet of the Week – Cupid](http://townsquare.media/site/454/files/2024/07/attachment-cupid.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Unadilla, New York Man, Mother Arrested on Sexual Abuse Charges](http://townsquare.media/site/454/files/2024/07/attachment-sheriff.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Fatal Crash Closes Route 7 in Oneonta, New York](http://townsquare.media/site/454/files/2024/07/attachment-NYSP.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Urban Legends of the ‘Jesus Tree’ in Brewster, New York](http://townsquare.media/site/999/files/2021/09/attachment-real-featured.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Missing Person Behind the ‘Lady in the Lake’ Legend from Lake Placid, New York](http://townsquare.media/site/999/files/2021/10/attachment-ryan-moreno-CAQV_lXm_iw-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)