Crime & Safety
22-Year-Old Raped 15-Year-Old Then Dropped Her Off At School: Troopers
The teenager said she met the man accused of sexually assaulting her on social media, and only agreed to meet in person weeks later.
ULSTER COUNTY, NY — An Albany County man was arrested for sexually assaulting a teen he met on social media.
On Monday, New York State Police announced the arrest of Benjamin Randall. The 22-year-old was charged with third degree rape and third degree criminal sex act.
On April 28, state police received a complaint from a 15-year-old reporting she met Randall on a social media site on March 21. After speaking online for several weeks, she agreed to meet with Randall after school. Randall picked her up and drove to a secluded area where he sexually assaulted the victim, according to police. He then drove her back to the school and dropped her off.
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On Monday, Randall was arrested at the state police barracks in Ellenville and was arraigned in the Town of Marbletown Court. Bail was set at $10,000.
A stay away order of protection was issued for the victim.
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Anyone who has information about this case or about the suspect Benjamin Randall is asked to contact the New York State Police Middletown at 845-344-5300.
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