Bates Indicted After Naked Closet Arrest

NEW CITY, NY — Brian Bates, dubbed a "serial public masturbator" by the New York Post last year, has been indicted on a felony burglary charge connected to an incident Sept. 18, Acting Rockland County District Attorney Kevin P. Gilleece announced Monday afternoon.

Bates, a former Spring Valley resident who had moved to an unit at 8 E. Lawrence Park Drive, removed a screen to a window in the back of a neighbor's apartment and climbed in, prosecutors alleged. Bates was seen walking in the residence while he was naked. Police said they found Bates hiding in the closet in the bedroom belonging to the children of the home.

“Because of the great work of the Piermont Police Department and one brave citizen, this defendant was quickly apprehended and will be vigorously prosecuted,” Gilleece said.

Residents of the Lawrence Park condominium complex had been alarmed by Bates as a neighbor, particularly after he was arrested for public lewdness in August. Piermont police had begun sending an officer there routinely to patrol. The officer was alerted by a resident Sept. 18 to Bates' alleged burglary-in-progress.

The 48-year-old was indicted on one count of Burglary in the Second Degree, a class “C” felony.

He faces a maximum of 15 years in state prison, if convicted.

Arraignment on the indictment is pending. Bates was sent back to the Rockland County Jail where he had been taken after his Sept. 18 arrest.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Dominic Crispino is prosecuting the case.

SEE ALSO: 'Serial Public Masturbator' Arrested Again In Piermont