On August 4, 2022, the Watervliet Police Department investigated an alleged sexual assault. At the conclusion of the investigation it was determined that the victim, an adult male with autism, was approached at a bus stop by Jamal Ali, who invited him to his apartment to drink alcoholic beverages and view a movie. Shortly after they arrived at Ali’s Third Avenue residence, he sexually assaulted the victim.  

Ali is a Level 3 sex offender who has a violent criminal history. He has been arrested/convicted for various other offenses dating back to 1978. Specifically, in 1984, he was convicted in Buffalo, NY for the forcible rape, burglary and assault of a 79-year-old and sentenced to 12.5 to 25 years in New York state prison. He was released in July 2000 after serving 16 years and rearrested in February 2001, May 2004 and August 2005 for parole violations. Ali’s parole concluded in February 2009.  

Watervliet Police charged Ali, a 64-year-old male from Watervliet, NY (photo attached) with Criminal Sexual Act in the 2nd Degree (Class D Felony), Criminal Sexual Act in the 3rd Degree (Class E Felony) and Sexual Misconduct (Class A Misdemeanor). Ali was initially arraigned in Watervliet City Court and remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail. However, on August 10, 2022, at the conclusion of a bail hearing, the defendant was released under the supervision of probation with electronic monitoring.  

“This defendant has repeatedly engaged in evil conduct that aligns with many predatory, violent criminals,” said Watervliet Police Chief Joseph Centanni. “His attacks constantly target some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The Watervliet Police Department will continue to focus on supporting victims of crime while we relentlessly pursue the removal of offenders who threaten our neighborhoods,” concluded Centanni.  

Based on Ali’s criminal history, along with information developed during the investigation, detectives are attempting to determine if Ali has victimized, or attempted to victimize, other people under similar circumstances. Anyone with information is urged to contact Watervliet Police Detectives at 518-270-3892.