Cohoes man arrested and charged with rape after social media meeting

Capital Region — A Cohoes man was arrested Monday and charged with the rape of a 15-year-old girl he met through social media, police said.

Benjamin Randall, 22, of Cohoes was arrested Monday and charged with third-degree rape and third-degree sexual abuse.

According to police, a complaint was received on April 28, 2024, from a 15-year-old girl who claimed she met Randall on a social media site on March 21, 2024. According to the victim, the two had been talking online for several weeks when she agreed to meet Randall after school. Randall reportedly picked her up and drove to a remote area where, according to police, he sexually assaulted the victim. He then drove her back to school and dropped her off.

Bail was set at $10,000/$10,000 surety/$10,000 secured bond. A restraining order was issued for the victim.

Anyone with information about this case or suspect Benjamin Randall is asked to contact Middletown State Police at 845-344-5300.