UTICA, NY — Utica Police responded to a sexual assault complaint reported from an apartment complex on Bleecker Street. Officers learned that a maintenance worker had entered the victim’s apartment under the pretense of conducting necessary repairs.
Once inside, the maintenance worker went into the victim’s bedroom and remained there for an extended period. The victim approached to ask about his actions and noticed he had removed his clothing and was making inappropriate gestures.
According to reports, the suspect then forcefully placed the victim on the bed and attempted to commit sexual acts. The victim managed to escape, and the suspect subsequently left the premises.
The investigation was assigned to a member of the Criminal Investigations Division, which led to a positive identification of the suspect. On October 10, Richard Melendez, 54, of Utica, was arrested.
Melendez faces charges of aggravated sexual abuse in the third degree and failure to update his employment status as a sex offender.
Utica Police continue the investigation and urge anyone with further information to contact authorities.