A Pawling man who worked as a handyman at a Dover apartment complex is facing three counts of forcible touching after New York State Police say he forcibly touched three adult women without their consent on separate occasions. Ismeal Sipteyul, 46, was arraigned in Dover Town Court on Sept. 15 and remains held at the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center as he awaits his next court date.
According to DailyVoice.com, New York State Police announced Sipteyul's arrest on Wednesday, saying he had been working as a handyman at an apartment complex in Dover, Dutchess County, when the alleged incidents occurred. Police did not identify the complex, and they have not disclosed when the alleged touching took place.
Bail Set as High as $30,000
Sipteyul is being held in lieu of $2,500 cash bail, a $10,000 bond, or a $30,000 partially secured bond, per the same account. He was remanded to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center following his Sept. 15 arraignment and is scheduled to return to Dover Town Court on Oct. 20.
New York State Police said the three separate incidents each involved a different adult woman who did not consent to being touched, though the department has not released further detail about the alleged conduct. Under state law, a person is guilty of forcible touching when they intentionally and for no legitimate purpose forcibly touch another person, according to New York State Senate statute.
Investigators Seek Additional Victims
State police are continuing to investigate the alleged incidents involving Sipteyul and have asked anyone with additional information, including potential additional victims, to contact investigators at 845-677-7300. The article notes that no further details about the identities of the three women or the circumstances of the alleged encounters have been made public.
