TikToker charged with multiple counts of rape, sexual assault

COLUMBIA COUNTY―An area TikTok influencer has been charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, and State Police say they believe there may be more victims yet to come forward.

Benjamin O. Gleason, 39, of Chatham was arrested by the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) on March 20, after what authorities described as an extensive investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving multiple victims.

The investigation began in February after troopers said “information was developed regarding incidents of sexual abuse.”

“As the investigation progressed, it was determined the abuse occurred over approximately 10 years and involved multiple victims,” State Police reported.

Gleason, who has a TikTok following of more than one million people, is known for his lip-sync videos and musical performances.

Gleason is charged with three counts of predatory sexual assault, class A-II felonies; three counts of first-degree rape: forceable compulsion, class B felonies; three counts of first-degree rape: physically helpless, class B felonies; four counts of first-degree criminal sexual act, class B felonies; second-degree aggravated sexual abuse, a class C felony; first-degree sexual abuse: forcible compulsion, a class D felony; third-degree criminal sexual act, a class E felony; and third-degree rape, a class E felony.

He is currently remanded to the Columbia County Jail without bail.

State Police thanked the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office, the Reach Center of the Mental Health Association of Columbia and Greene Counties, and the Child Advocacy Center for their assistance with this investigation.

Investigators say they believe there may be additional victims and ask anyone with further information to contact the New York State Police at Troop K Headquarters at 845-677-7300 and reference case #NY2600259941.

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