Rochester Woman Charged in Alleged Assault of 15-Year-Old
State Police say an investigation involving digital evidence led to two felony charges nearly 10 months after the alleged encounter.
A Rochester woman charged with rape and using a child in a sexual performance was arrested after a months-long New York State Police investigation into the reported sexual assault of a 15-year-old boy. Police said the investigation included electronic-device searches, forensic examinations and interviews. The allegations have not been proven in court.
State Police Announce Two Felony Charges
New York State Police identified the defendant as Tasha B. Evans, 40, of Rochester.
Evans was arrested without incident on July 24, 2026, according to a State Police news release issued July 29. She was charged with:
- Use of a child younger than 17 in a sexual performance, a Class C felony
- Rape in the third degree, a Class E felony
After processing at the State Police barracks in Rochester, Evans was taken to the Monroe County Jail for centralized arraignment proceedings. State Police did not provide information about the outcome of the arraignment, bail conditions or Evans’ next court date.
An arrest and criminal charge are accusations. Evans is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Investigation Began With State Referral
Police said the investigation began on Oct. 1, 2025, after troopers received a law-enforcement referral from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
The referral concerned an alleged sexual encounter reported to have occurred one day earlier, on Sept. 30, 2025.
Investigators allege the 15-year-old had communicated with Evans through the Tinder dating application before arranging an in-person meeting. The State Police release did not explain how the minor allegedly obtained access to the platform or what age information may have been entered into the account.
During the investigation, troopers said they:
- Secured and executed search warrants.
- Seized electronic devices.
- Submitted those devices for forensic examination.
- Conducted several interviews.
- Gathered evidence related to the teenager’s report.
State Police said investigators “obtained evidence corroborating the victim’s account.” The agency did not publicly describe that evidence, and the claim remains subject to review through the court process.
Specialized Police Units Assisted
The case was investigated by members of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation assigned to the Rochester barracks.
The Troop E Computer Crimes Unit and Troop E Forensic Identification Unit also assisted, according to the agency. Their involvement reflects the reported use of electronic communications and the seizure of digital devices during the investigation.
Police did not say whether additional arrests or charges were expected.
What the Charges Mean Under New York Law
Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance
Under New York Penal Law Section 263.05, a person can be charged with using a child in a sexual performance when the person knowingly employs, authorizes or induces someone younger than 17 to participate in such a performance.
The offense is classified as a Class C felony.
The statute’s use of the term “performance” does not necessarily mean a public event. New York law defines the term broadly and includes certain recorded, photographed or otherwise represented sexual conduct involving a child. The specific evidence supporting the charge against Evans has not been released.
Rape in the Third Degree
New York’s third-degree rape statute covers several circumstances. Those include specified sexual contact involving a person who is younger than 17 when the accused is 21 or older, as well as other situations involving legal incapacity or lack of consent.
Rape in the third degree is a Class E felony. Police did not identify the specific subsection they allege applies in this case.
Because the charging documents have not been made available with the police announcement, conclusions should not be drawn about the prosecution’s full legal theory or the evidence the defense may present.
Why Careful Reporting Matters
Cases involving minors and sexual-offense allegations require special care. News organizations generally avoid publishing details that could identify a child who reports sexual abuse.
The police release identified the teenager only by age and gender. This report is withholding any other information that could contribute to identifying the minor.
It is also important to separate three parts of the case:
- The allegation: What police say was reported.
- The charge: The law prosecutors believe may have been violated.
- The verdict: A decision that can be reached only through the judicial process.
The arrest marks the beginning of the formal criminal case, not its conclusion.
Online Contact Raises Broader Safety Concerns
The allegation that an adult and a minor communicated through a dating application raises broader concerns about age verification and online safety. However, State Police have not accused the application or its operator of committing a crime in connection with this case.
Parents and caregivers can reduce online risks by speaking regularly with young people about digital communication. Warning signs may include secretive conversations with unknown adults, requests to move a discussion to a private platform or pressure to meet without informing a trusted person.
Young people should be encouraged to:
- Avoid meeting online contacts alone.
- Tell a trusted adult when an older person initiates sexual conversations.
- Preserve suspicious messages instead of deleting them.
- Block and report accounts that request sexual images or private meetings.
- Contact law enforcement when there is an immediate threat.
These conversations should focus on protection rather than blame. Children and teenagers may hide dangerous interactions when they fear punishment or embarrassment.
What Happens Next
The Monroe County criminal case will determine whether prosecutors can prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Future court proceedings may address the evidence collected from electronic devices, witness statements and the legal basis for each count. Defense attorneys will also have the opportunity to challenge the allegations, the evidence and the methods used to obtain it.
No conviction was reported in the State Police announcement.
Conclusion
The arrest of a Rochester woman charged with two felonies followed an investigation lasting nearly 10 months. State Police say search warrants, forensic examinations and interviews produced evidence supporting the teenager’s account.
Still, the criminal process is ongoing. The public should avoid speculation, protect the identity of the minor and allow the facts to be tested in court.
Anyone who believes a child is in immediate danger should call 911 or contact the appropriate local law-enforcement agency.
Sources
- New York State Police arrest announcement and investigation summary.
- New York Penal Law Section 263.05, use of a child in a sexual performance.
- New York Penal Law Section 263.00, statutory definitions.
- New York Penal Law Section 130.25, rape in the third degree.
