A 20-year-old Auburn man is facing a felony rape charge after the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office said he had a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl while he was 19. Luke W. Cross was arrested on Oct. 5 and charged with rape in the second degree following an investigation that stretched back to March.
According to cnycentral.com, deputies opened their investigation in March 2026 after learning of allegations that Cross had a sexual relationship with the 14-year-old at an Auburn home while he was 19 years old. The station reports Cross was formally charged with rape in the second degree, a felony, once investigators had gathered enough to move forward with the case.
Arrest Follows Monthslong Investigation
The alleged relationship took place at a residence in the city of Auburn, according to localsyr.com, which reported that Cross was taken into custody on Oct. 5 after investigators determined there was probable cause to arrest him. The outlet notes the case took shape over several months before charges were filed.
Cross appeared in CAP Court, where his bail was set at $1,500 cash or a $2,500 bond, the same report states. He posted the $1,500 bail and was released from the custody of the Cayuga County Jail, cnycentral.com reported, though the station notes a felony charge of this nature is accompanied by strict release conditions.
Protective Order Issued, Case Still Pending
Protective Order Issued, Case Still Pending LocalSYR reported that the sheriff's office said a full stay-away order of protection was issued to protect the alleged victim from Cross. Cross is scheduled to reappear in court at a later date, though cnycentral.com did not specify when that hearing will take place.
As fingerlakesdailynews.com notes, the charges against Cross remain accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The Newport Dispatch, which also reported on the arrest, identified Cross as an Auburn resident and noted the case was brought forward by the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office.
