Rochester, N.Y. - While on bail and during a trial for rape prosecutors allege Michael Chess, 25, lured at least four other women to vacant homes in the city and allegedly attacked them. Chess faces six new charges including rape, robbery and menacing.
“There are four separate victims,” said Assistant District Attorney Andrea Ackerman. “All of the incidents are consistent with the first indictment.”
Prosecutors said in both the old and new cases, Chess met the women on the internet website Backpage.com. After meeting them at the vacant properties, they said he threatened each with a gun, stole from them, and in several of the cases committed rape.
“It is alleged that he committed these crimes while he was out on bail,” said Ackerman.
Chess was free on $50,000 bail while awaiting his first trial. The case ended in a mistrial.
Chess was arrested outside court at the Hall of Justice. According to court papers, he was taken into custody “without incident.” While being transported to the Public Safety Building, he allegedly told police “I did not do anything. I don’t even have a gun.”
His bail has been revoked and he has been ordered not to contact any of the victims.
Prosecutors want to connect the cases and move ahead with a new trial to cover all seven victims. A judge will consider that request and other motions next month.
