ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — The former head of security at Asteri Ithaca is speaking out. 

Wednesday, Sept. 24 on Ithaca’s Morning News, Jared Bentley told 607 News Now his experience as an employee in the building was poor. 

Bentley, who served as security chief for nearly three months, adds safety was not a prime concern for the Vecino Group, which operates the building in downtown Ithaca. 

Asteri Ithaca opened in the summer of 2024, featuring 181 apartments and an all-electric conference center. Since then, the Ithaca Police Department and Ithaca Fire Department have responded to dozens of calls. In August, Ithaca Police Chief Tom Kelly told 607 News Now security at the E. Green St. building had improved.

FULL INTERVIEW: Jared Bentley on Ithaca’s Morning News