On April 5, 2022, the Watervliet Police Department responded to the 1600 block of 3^rd Avenue for a reported sexual assault. At the conclusion of an extensive investigation, it was determined that a 15-year-old victim was sexually assaulted by Rhannad A. Burch, who was released from state prison on March 31, 2022, after serving two years upon his conviction for Rape in the 3^rd Degree. In addition, Watervliet detectives discovered that Burch was in violation of an order of protection regarding a separate victim.

On April 6, 2022, Burch was arrested in Albany, NY after a coordinated effort by the Watervliet Police Department and the New York State Police (NYSP).

Watervliet police detectives charged Burch, a 31-year-old male from Troy, NY (photo attached) with Predatory Sexual Assault (Class A-II Felony), Rape in the 1^st Degree (Class B Felony), Criminal Sexual Act in the 1^st Degree (Class B felony), Criminal Contempt in the 1^st Degree (Class E Felony), Criminal Mischief in the 4^th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class A Misdemeanor). Burch was arraigned in Watervliet City Court and remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail.

“This offender demonstrated a brazenness that is often a routine characteristic of many violent criminals,” said Watervliet Police Chief Joseph Centanni. “This attacker engaged in another violent sexual offense days after being released from prison for a rape conviction. This defies all common sense and logic. We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners and the community to pursue and remove threatening criminals from our neighborhoods,” concluded Centanni.