A 20-year-old Walden man is facing a felony rape charge after New York State Police investigated a reported sexual assault in the town of Ulster late last month. Cooper Baxter was arrested at 8 a.m. on Oct. 29 and accused of first-degree rape involving oral sexual contact by forcible compulsion.
According to Daily Freeman, New York State Police Troop F opened the investigation after a reported sexual assault on Oct. 24 involving a 20-year-old victim in the town of Ulster. Five days later, troopers arrested Baxter and booked him on the felony count.
Police say the charge stems specifically from alleged oral sexual contact carried out through forcible compulsion, a first-degree rape offense under New York law. A police-blotter listing from Kingston Wire similarly describes the allegation as rape in the first degree by forcible compulsion and notes that the subject was issued central arraignment, though that entry offers limited detail beyond the charge itself.
Arraignment and Release Conditions
Following his arrest, Baxter was arraigned in Kingston City Court. He was released under pre-trial supervision, the same report states, rather than being held in custody pending further proceedings.
No case number, upcoming court date, or additional procedural details have been made available, and the circumstances surrounding the reported assault beyond the victim's age and the town of Ulster location have not been disclosed in the available reporting.
Where To Find Support
Survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence in the Hudson Valley have several local and national resources available. In Ulster County, the Family of Woodstock operates a 24-hour hotline at (845) 679-2485, along with a Spanish-language line staffed from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at (845) 679-5460. Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance can be reached at (845) 340-3443 on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or at (845) 340-3442 during nights, weekends and holidays.
In neighboring Dutchess County, a domestic violence 24-hour hotline is available at (845) 485-5550, and the Dutchess County Rape Crisis/Crime Victims 24-hour hotline can be reached at (845) 452-7272. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers 24/7 assistance in English, Spanish and 200 other languages at (800) 799-7233, or by texting START to 88788. Deaf survivors of domestic violence can text LOVEIS to 22522 or call the hotline at (855) 812-1001.
