Man arrested for raping 14-year-old girl moments after jail release

In New York, a 21-year-old man named Ronald L. Burris III was arrested on November 20, 2024, just moments before he was set to be released from Ulster County Jail. Burris was already incarcerated due to a separate charge when police began an investigation into his disturbing behavior towards a minor. Authorities were notified in September that he was engaging in sexually explicit conversations through electronic means with a 14-year-old girl while still in custody. This alarming situation prompted a thorough investigation by detectives from the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office. As a result of the investigation, it was revealed that Burris had multiple sexual encounters with the young girl over the summer prior to his incarceration. The depth of this revelation was shocking, particularly considering that Burris had been in jail for an unrelated offense during the time he was communicating with the victim. Following this discovery, Burris was charged with two counts of second-degree rape as well as additional charges related to endangering the welfare of a child. During his arraignment at the Saugerties Justice Court, Burris faced these serious accusations, which included not only the charges related to rape but also charges concerning the welfare of the child involved. The legal process moved quickly, and Burris was soon returned to the Ulster County Jail, where he remains incarcerated under a bail set at $30,000. His case has raised significant concerns about the safety of minors and the potential dangers posed by offenders even while they are under detention. The authorities’ investigation has also underscored the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with communication between inmates and minors. Police were able to alert the public to Burris's predatory actions, leading to his immediate arrest. This case highlights the urgent need for vigilance regarding the interactions of detained individuals, particularly those with histories of sexual violence, and the implications of such behavior on community safety. As details unfold, it is expected that this case will continue to draw attention from both local media and advocacy groups focused on protecting children from sexual exploitation.