Update (March 23, 2026):

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect in connection with a disturbing incident involving a female staff member who was subjected to unwanted physical contact near St. John Fisher University.

On March 19, 2026, deputies took Ramel Bell-Scott into custody in the City of Rochester following a focused investigation led by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Section.

The arrest stems from an incident reported on March 15, 2026. The investigation determined that as the victim walked from a bus stop on Fairport Road toward campus, Bell-Scott followed her and approached from behind. He forcibly grabbed the victim and subjected her to unwanted inappropriate contact. When the victim turned to confront him, the suspect had exposed himself.

The victim was not physically injured and was able to continue onto campus and inside a building, where she immediately reported the incident to security.

Through a coordinated investigative effort, to include: the review of SJFU campus security footage, collaboration with RTS to determine where he entered the bus, working with MCAC to attempt to identify, and the Irondequoit Police Department who ultimately identified Bell-Scott. 

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office assigned a dedicated detail to locate Bell-Scott. As a result of those efforts, deputies successfully located and took him into custody on the morning of March 19, 2026. He was transported to the Sheriff’s Office A-Zone substation for processing.

Ramel Bell-Scott, 32, of Syracuse is charged with:

  • Forcible Touching (Class A-Misdemeanor)
  • Stalking in the Fourth Degree (Class B-Misdemeanor)
  • Public Lewdness (Class B-Misdemeanor)

Deputies also confirmed Bell-Scott has an active warrant out of Syracuse for Criminal Mischief.

Bell-Scott was transported to Monroe County CAP Court on the evening of March 19, 2026, for arraignment. Following arraignment, he was remanded to the Monroe County Jail on $1,000 cash or $2,500 bond. An order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.

“This individual’s criminal history, multiple convictions, and risk of re-offending are the very definition of a repeat offender,” said Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “Thanks to the diligent efforts of law enforcement, Bell-Scott was identified, located, and taken into custody. Our responsibility does not end with an arrest. Cases like this highlight the need to examine whether current New York State laws provide the tools necessary to address repeat offenders and reduce the risk of continued harm. Now the system must keep this predator off our streets and provide the intervention that has been needed for some time. It is time for our laws to clearly prioritize and support the safety of our law-abiding citizens. The victim should not have to continue living through the horror she has endured.”

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office continues to work closely with campus partners to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors. Additional patrols and resources were directed to the area during the investigation. 

Anyone who may have had a similar encounter, or has information related to this case, is encouraged to come forward and contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

  ###

Initial Release (March 16, 2026):

On the morning of March 15, 2026, at 9:48 a.m., St. John Fisher’s Office of Safety and Security called MCSO to report an incident that occurred at 7:50 a.m. between an unknown male suspect and a female staff member.

Deputies spoke with campus security and learned the suspect left the campus prior to MCSO’s arrival. Upon interviewing the victim, deputies learned the suspect followed her from the bus stop on Fairport Road as she walked to the campus. As the victim continued to walk towards the campus, the suspect came up from behind and subjected the victim to unwanted physical contact. The victim was not injured and continued onto the campus where she alerted security.

The suspect is described as a black male who was wearing a black jacket, khaki pants, black shoes, and a black backpack.

Deputies reviewed campus security footage for additional evidence and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area in an attempt to locate the suspect.  

The MCSO Criminal Investigations Section (CIS) is overseeing the case while deputies devote special attention to the campus and surrounding area. MCSO is thankful for our partnership with St. John Fisher Campus Safety and Security, and we will continue to work together to ensure the safety of students and staff.

The investigation is ongoing. MCSO asks that anyone with information on this incident please call 911.   

###

Deputy David Marcucci
Public Information Officer
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
MCSOCommunications@monroecounty.gov
(585) 753-4840