Albany man indicted on child sexual assault charges

Posted at: 08/21/2012 5:27 PM | Updated at: 08/21/2012 5:32 PM
By: Beth Wurtmann

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ALBANY - Prosecutors say they want to make sure there are no other victims, after they say a young child was sexually assaulted in Albany’s Lincoln Park.

A grand jury indicted Walter Cleveland on predatory sexual assault and other charges, stemming from incidents last Tuesday in a wooded area of the park.

Prosecutors say the 20-year-old Albany man befriended the eight-year-old boy, and then lured him to a wooded area last week, where he forced him into multiple acts.

They say the evidence is especially strong because two witnesses reported observing the assault taking place in Lincoln Park and called 911.

Albany County District Attorney David Soares, says it's a disturbing case that shows a pattern that can happen to any family.

When an adult showers attention on a boy or girl over a period of time in order to gain trust.

Then takes advantage of the child.    

"Grooming is what we refer to when a predator is befriending a child, being there for that child, plies the child with candy, plying them with video games and other things to obtain trust in that individual. And then most assuredly take advantage and that's what we had in this instance,” says Soares.

Cleveland will be arraigned Wednesday morning on multiple felonies.

Soares says the defendant has lived in other states and they are now tracking his relationships with other children.

They are asking anyone with information to call Albany Police.