UTICA, N.Y. – A Utica man was charged with rape after allegedly having sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl.
Authorities started investigating on Jan. 5 after receiving a report accusing 34-year-old Ferris Bell of the alleged abused.
Following the investigation, Bell was arrested and charged with third-degree rape, an E felony.
Bell is being held at the Oneida County Correctional Facility in lieu of $7,500 cash bail or $15,000 bond.
An order of protection has been requested on behalf of the victim, who has also been offered services through the county’s Child Advocacy Center.