UPD Arrests Maintenance Worker After Alleged Sexual Advance

Police in Utica have arrested a maintenance worker after he was accused of allegedly entering a female tenant's bedroom, removing his clothes and tried to force her to have sex.

Police arrested 54-year-old Richard Melendez and charged him with aggravated sexual abuse in the third degree after police say he used his job as an excuse to enter the woman's apartment, strip naked, and attempt to perform unwanted sexual activity. Police say Melendez is also a sex offender and he failed to update his employment status, as required by state law.

According to Utica Police, on October 3rd, 2025 police units were informed of a sexual assault complaint that occurred at an apartment complex on Bleecker Street. Upon speaking with the victim, it was learned that a maintenance worker had entered her apartment under the guise of performing work to the apartment. While inside, police say  the worker entered the female’s bedroom and remained there for a period of time. The victim entered her bedroom to see what work was being performed and says she noticed that he had removed all of his clothing and was making inappropriate gestures to her.
The male then approached the female and forcibly placed her on the bed and attempted to perform unwanted sexual acts. Police say the woman was able to free herself and the male eventually left and she called police.

The case was assigned to a member of the Criminal Investigations Division and a positive identification of the suspect was developed. The investigation is continuing.

[AUTHOR'S NOTE:   This post is for informational purposes and is based largely on information received from Utica Police. Regardless of any statements or photographs regarding potential evidence presented or accusations alleged, the reader is reminded that all suspects and/or arrested persons are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. At the time of this posting no additional information is available.]