ROCHESTER, NY — A Syracuse man has been arrested in connection with an assault on a female staff member near St. John Fisher University.
Ramel Bell-Scott, 32, of Syracuse, was taken into custody on the morning of March 19 following an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Section.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:50 a.m. on March 15 as the victim walked from a bus stop on Fairport Road toward the university campus.
According to investigators, Bell-Scott followed the victim and approached her from behind, forcibly grabbing her and subjecting her to unwanted inappropriate contact.
When the victim turned to confront him, the suspect had exposed himself, according to the sheriff’s office.
The victim was not physically injured and continued onto campus, where she immediately reported the incident to security.
St. John Fisher’s Office of Safety and Security contacted the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at 9:48 a.m. on March 15.
Investigators reviewed campus security footage and worked with the Regional Transit Service to determine where Bell-Scott entered the bus system.
The Monroe County Auto Crimes unit assisted in attempting to identify the suspect, and the Irondequoit Police Department ultimately identified Bell-Scott.
A dedicated detail was assigned to locate Bell-Scott, and deputies successfully took him into custody on the morning of March 19.
He was transported to the Sheriff’s Office A-Zone substation for processing.
Bell-Scott is charged with forcible touching, a class A misdemeanor; stalking in the fourth degree, a class B misdemeanor; and public lewdness, a class B misdemeanor.
Deputies confirmed Bell-Scott has an active warrant out of Syracuse for criminal mischief.
Bell-Scott was transported to Monroe County CAP Court on the evening of March 19 for arraignment.
Following arraignment, he was remanded to the Monroe County Jail on $1,000 cash or $2,500 bond.
An order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office directed additional patrols and resources to the area during the investigation.
Anyone who may have had a similar encounter or has information related to this case is asked to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
