Note: This story describes details of a reported sexual crime. Some people might find the details upsetting.
ITHACA, N.Y. — A man charged with attempted rape of a child appeared in Tompkins County Court for arraignment on Friday morning.
Ray Dennis, 47, was charged with felony first-degree attempted rape in February after allegedly attacking a young teenager.
Court documents say Dennis entered the victim's bedroom and asked the teen to expose private body parts, saying he would leave if the victim cooperated. The victim relented in hopes Dennis would leave, but he allegedly grabbed the ankles of the victim and began pulling off the teen’s pants.
Despite the yelling and screaming of the victim, court documents say Dennis attempted to push the victim’s legs open, pushing the teen down to the ground, where he pulled off his own pants, exposing himself.
The victim reportedly continued to respond by yelling, kicking and hitting the defendant, until he agreed to stop if she hugged him. Court documents say that after hugging him, the victim asked Dennis to leave, and he responded by saying, “This isn’t how I wanted it to go down anyway.”
After Dennis left the bedroom, the victim locked herself in the bathroom where she was able to call her mother. Dennis reportedly asked the victim not to say anything, making suggestions to what he wanted the victim to say.
Prosecuting attorney Diane Lama said in court Friday that Dennis’ actions were violent and persistent, and were only put to a stop because of the victim’s kicking and screaming.
Bail is currently set at $15,000 cash and $30,000 bond, though Lama recommended due the nature of the case, bail be set higher at $30,000 cash and $60,000 bond. Judge John C. Rowley denied a request for the increase of Dennis’ bail but recommended that Dennis, if able to make bail, would be released under electronic monitoring.
While Dennis did not have a criminal record prior to this arrest, Lama said in court that Dennis was involved in a case in 2001, which was similar in nature to this one. While no details were released, Lama said the crime was sexual in nature, also involving a child. Dennis was able to plead the charge down to endangering the welfare of a child, which is a class D misdemeanor, she said.
Dennis remains in Tompkins County Jail with bail set for $15,000.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a sexual or domestic assault, contact the police or The Advocacy Center here.
