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A Columbia County man, Benjamin Gleason, 39, of Chatham, pleaded not guilty on Monday (March 23) to a 17-count felony indictment accusing him of sexually abusing at least seven people over a ten-year period. According to NEWS10 ABC, the charges stem from an investigation launched by New York State Police in February after multiple reports of sexual abuse.
Authorities allege that Gleason abused victims ranging in age from 17 to 27 between 2011 and 2021. The Columbia County District Attorney’s Office said the charges include predatory sexual assault, multiple counts of rape by forcible compulsion, rape of physically helpless individuals, aggravated sexual abuse, criminal sexual act, and criminal sexual abuse, all felonies.
The arrest was made Friday (March 20) at a motel in Rensselaer County, where Gleason had been living. At his arraignment, Assistant District Attorney Cheryl Botts requested no bail, citing the severity of the charges, prior convictions, and Gleason’s limited ties to Columbia County, as reported by the Daily Gazette. Ten orders of protection were issued, requiring Gleason to stay away from the victims.
Officials said Gleason, who has 1.1 million followers on TikTok, could face life in prison if convicted. He was remanded to Columbia County Jail and is scheduled to return to court on April 29. The investigation remains active, and State Police believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact New York State Police at Troop K Headquarters at (845) 677-7300, referencing case #NY2600259941.
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 assisted in the investigation, according to the Daily Freeman.
Support services are available for those affected by sexual abuse, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233, and local county hotlines.