Watervliet sex offender accused of sexually assaulting man with autism

WATERVLIET – Police say a Level 3 sex offender with a violent criminal history sexually assaulted a man last week.

Police say 64-year-old Jamal Ali approached a man at the bus stop at Third Avenue and 19th Street in Watervliet, near Ali’s home.

“After a brief conversation, Ali invited the victim back to his apartment to drink alcoholic beverages and watch movies,” said Watervliet Police Chief Joseph Centanni. “Within minutes of arriving at the residence,

Ali turned on a pornographic movie and committed an assault.”

Police say the victim has autism.

Jamal Ali is a Level 3 sex offender who was convicted in 1984 of raping a 79-year-old woman, and leaving her with broken bones. 

Authorities say after being released from prison for the rape, he violated parole three times.  Police say he moved to Watervliet in 2020. 

He is charged with sexual misconduct and two counts of criminal sex act.

DIGITAL EXTRA: Watervliet police chief on Jamal Ali arrest

NewsChannel 13 reporter Kumi Tucker knocked on his apartment door Wednesday. It appeared someone was home, but no one answered. 

He was first taken to jail without bail last week, and Wednesday after a bail hearing, while eligible for bail, he was released to the supervision of probation with electronic monitoring. 

Police say he is a violent and dangerous predator.

“As a result, we are attempting to determine if Ali has victimized or attempted to victimize other people under comparable circumstances, places like bus stops, bus stations, or any location where there is a constant flow of people,” said Chief Centanni.

Police would like to hear from anyone with information about Jamal Ali, who also used the alias Harold Davis. Anyone with information is asked to contact Watervliet police at (518) 270-3892.