Cohoes man charged with sexually assaulting a minor

ELLENVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- State police reported the arrest of a Cohoes man in connection to a sex crime investigation in Ulster County. Benjamin Randall, 22, is facing multiple charges.

Randall is accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old that he met on a social media website back in March. After speaking online for several weeks, Randall reportedly picked the victim up after the teen got out of school, drove her to a secluded area, and allegedly raped her, before driving her back to the school.

State police received a report of the incident on April 28, and the ensuing investigation resulted in Randall being taken into custody on August 26. He was charged with third-degree rape and third-degree criminal sex act.

Randall was arraigned at the Town of Marbletown Court, with bail set at $10,000 bail, bond, and secured bond. Additionally, a stay-away order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police in Middletown at (845)344-5300.