KINGSTON — The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation announced Tuesday the arrest of James M. Benson, age 42, of Saugerties, following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor and weapons-related offenses.
The investigation began July 28 after information was received indicating that Benson had engaged in inappropriate conduct with a 17-year-old victim.
Benson is accused of subjecting the victim to sexual contact by forcible compulsion and providing the minor with alcohol.
A search warrant was executed at Benson’s residence, where evidence led to additional charges related to illegal weapons possession and controlled substances.
Benson was taken into custody without incident.
Benson was charged with sexual abuse in the 1st degree, forcible compulsion, a class D felony; unlawful dealing with a child 1st degree, alcohol, a class A misdemeanor; criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd degree, a class D felony; criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd degree, previous conviction, a class D felony; and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree, a class A misdemeanor.
Benson was arraigned in the Ulster County Court Centralized Arraignment Part and remanded to the Ulster County Jail.
Anyone with information or who believes they may have been victimized by James M. Benson is encouraged to contact the New York State Police at Middletown at (845) 344-5300 and reference RMS NY2500672941.
