Port Crane Man Charged With Attempted Rape in Johnson City

A Port Crane man is facing a misdemeanor charge after Johnson City police say he traveled to a local business expecting to meet a teenage boy for sexual activity.

The accusation remains an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Johnson City Police Respond to Tip About Planned Meeting

The Johnson City Police Department said it received information Wednesday, July 29, from a private citizen who conducts independent online investigations involving suspected sexual predators.

According to police, the individual reported that an adult man was allegedly traveling to a Johnson City business to meet someone he believed was a 16-year-old boy.  Officers positioned nearby located the man identified in the report and took him into custody without incident, police said.

Authorities identified the suspect as Brian Hawley, 24, of Port Crane.

Investigators Review Alleged Messages

Johnson City police detectives interviewed Hawley and the person who provided the initial information.

During the investigation, detectives reportedly obtained an extensive series of electronic messages allegedly exchanged between Hawley and the complainant. Police said the conversation contained sexually explicit material. Investigators allege Hawley believed he was communicating with a 16-year-old boy.

Information released by police does not indicate that an actual child participated in the exchange.

Port Crane Man Faces Attempted Rape Charge

Hawley was charged with attempted third-degree rape, which is classified as a Class A misdemeanor under New York law.

New York Penal Law classifies an attempt to commit a Class E felony as a Class A misdemeanor. Third-degree rape is defined as a Class E felony under Section 130.25 of the state Penal Law.

A criminal charge represents an accusation filed by law enforcement. It does not establish that the accused committed the offense.

Hawley Released Following Central Arraignment

After being processed, Hawley was transported to centralized arraignment, according to Johnson City police.

Police said Hawley was released from custody following the court proceeding in accordance with New York’s pretrial release requirements. No information about a future court appearance was included in the announcement.

Get our free mobile app

The investigation was conducted by the Johnson City Police Department. All allegations against Hawley will need to be proven in court.

Editor’s Note: This article reflects information available at the time of publication. Criminal charges are accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. If the status of this case has changed, including charges being reduced, dismissed, or otherwise resolved, please email here.