LIVINGSTON, NY — The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation announced the arrest of a Chatham man following an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving multiple victims.
Benjamin O. Gleason, 39, of Chatham, was arrested on March 20 and charged with multiple felonies.
The investigation began in February after information was developed regarding incidents of sexual abuse.
Investigators determined the abuse occurred over approximately 10 years and involved multiple victims.
Gleason was charged with three counts of predatory sexual assault, class A-II felonies; three counts of rape in the first degree (forceable compulsion), class B felonies; three counts of rape in the first degree (physically helpless), class B felonies; four counts of criminal sexual act in the first degree, class B felonies; aggravated sexual abuse in the second degree, a class C felony; sexual abuse in the first degree (forcible compulsion), a class D felony; criminal sexual act in the third degree, a class E felony; and rape in the third degree, a class E felony.
Gleason was lodged in Columbia County Jail pending arraignment.
The New York State Police thanked the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office, the Reach Center of the Mental Health Association of Columbia and Greene County, and the Child Advocacy Center for their assistance with the investigation.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims and ask anyone with information to contact the New York State Police at Troop K Headquarters at (845) 677-7300 and reference case number NY2600259941.
