Child Rapist Is Arrested Again For Raping Another Child Just Days After Being Let Out Of Prison

WATERVLIET, N.Y. — The Watervliet Police Department recently responded to the 1600 block of 3rd Avenue for a reported sexual assault. At the conclusion of an extensive investigation, police determined that a 15-year-old victim was sexually assaulted by Rhannad A. Burch, 31, of Troy, who was released from state prison on March 31, after serving two years upon his conviction for third-degree rape. In addition, Watervliet detectives discovered that Burch was in violation of an order of protection regarding a separate victim.

On April 6, Burch was arrested in Albany, after a coordinated effort by the Watervliet Police Department and the New York State Police (NYSP).

Watervliet police detectives charged Burch with felony predatory sexual assault, felony first-degree rape, felony first-degree criminal sexual act, felony first-degree criminal contempt, misdemeanor fourth-degree criminal mischief, and misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child. Burch was arraigned in Watervliet City Court and remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail.

“This offender demonstrated a brazenness that is often a routine characteristic of many violent criminals,” Watervliet Police Chief Joseph Centanni said.

“This attacker engaged in another violent sexual offense days after being released from prison for a rape conviction. This defies all common sense and logic. We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners and the community to pursue and remove threatening criminals from our neighborhoods,” Centanni added.