Utica Man Arrested for Sexual Abuse of Minor Following Extensive Investigation

---

UTICA, NY — A 27-year-old Utica man has been arrested on charges of sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a minor, following a months-long investigation, according to Chief Deputy Derrick O'Meara of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, who also serves as the Director of the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center.

The investigation began in March 2024, when the case was assigned to Utica Police Investigator Ryan Kelly, who works with the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center. Through a detailed inquiry, Investigator Kelly identified Dequan Gray, 27, as the suspect, alleging that Gray engaged in sexual contact with a female child under the age of 17.

Efforts to locate Gray were initially unsuccessful, prompting law enforcement to seek an arrest warrant, which was issued by Utica City Court.

On October 30, 2024, Gray was located and taken into custody by members of the Utica Police Department’s Patrol Division. Gray was arraigned on charges of Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, a Class B misdemeanor, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor. Following the arraignment, Gray was remanded to the Oneida County Jail with a cash bail set at $7,000.

The Oneida County Child Advocacy Center has provided support services to the victim, and an order of protection has been put in place on her behalf.

The Oneida County Child Advocacy Center, under Chief Deputy O'Meara's direction, remains committed to working with law enforcement agencies to protect children and provide resources for young victims and their families.