31°
In Albany County, Watervliet Police arrested 64-year-old Jamal Ali, of Watervliet, on multiple sex crimes following an alleged incident that occurred on Thursday, Aug. 4.
Investigators said Ali approached the victim, an adult man with autism, at a bus stop and invited him back to his home to drink alcoholic beverages and watch a movie.
Shortly after they arrived at Ali’s Third Avenue home, he sexually assaulted the victim, according to police.
Watervliet Police arrested Ali for criminal sexual act, a felony, and sexual misconduct, a misdemeanor.
He was initially detained at the Albany County jail, but following a bail hearing on Wednesday, Aug. 10, a judge released Ali under the supervision of probation with electronic monitoring.
Ali is a Level 3 sex offender with a violent criminal history dating back to the 1970s.
In 1984, he was convicted in Buffalo for the forcible rape, burglary, and assault of a 79-year-old victim. He served 16 years in state prison before being released in July 2000.
More arrests followed in February 2001, May 2004, and August 2005 for parole violations. Ali’s parole concluded in February 2009.
“This defendant has repeatedly engaged in evil conduct that aligns with many predatory, violent criminals,” said Watervliet Police Chief Joseph Centanni.
“His attacks constantly target some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The Watervliet Police Department will continue to focus on supporting victims of crime while we relentlessly pursue the removal of offenders who threaten our neighborhoods.”
Based on their investigation, police said Ali may have victimized, or attempted to victimize, other people under similar circumstances.
The department is asking anyone with information in the case to contact Watervliet Police at 518-270-3892.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Albany and receive free news updates.
