Bethlehem police said the robbery, menacing and other charges against Ken Preston stemmed from an incident at his Slingerlands home involving an exotic massage he ordered online from Craigslist, which ended when he allegedly pulled a gun on the woman.
Preston, 50, who is a former Assembly candidate and former Albany firefighter, was arrested on charges that included robbery, attempted criminal sexual act, reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a weapon and menacing.
Police Lt. Thomas Heffernan said more charges may come as the case is still under investigation. Preston was scheduled to appear at the Bethlehem Town Court on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Police said that on Sunday, Dec. 28, Preston allegedly ordered an exotic body rub from the online classifieds site at www.craigslist.com. There are dozens of similar listings found pertaining to the Albany area.
Heffernan did reveal the masseuse’s name but said she went to Preston’s home on Trumpeter Place around 9 p.m. and told him that the massage would cost $150. After going to his bedroom, police said, Preston allegedly informed the woman that he had only $100. Heffernan said it was then that Preston put his clothes back on and allegedly took the masseuse’s cell phone and threatened to hit her with it.
According to the police report, the victim then told Preston she was nine months pregnant, and he allegedly took a handgun from his bedroom closet and pointed it into her face demanding oral sex.
Heffernan did not release the caliber or type of handgun used in the incident.
According to the report, he victim told Preston to shoot her after refusing his request and then tried to signal another person waiting outside in a vehicle by hitting the bedroom window.
Heffernan said that Preston then allegedly gave the woman back her cell phone, threw her out of the home and let her go.
No money was exchanged between Preston and the victim.
Police said the woman left with her friend and filed a report several hours later.
She called us about the incident after going to the store, Heffernan said. `We have not been able to contact and interview the other person.`
Asked if the victim was facing any charges at this time, Heffernan said, `No, but the case is under investigation.`
Heffernan added that Preston was sent to the Albany County Correctional Facility following the incident, but quickly posted a $15,000 cash bond and was released to appear in Bethlehem Town Court.
“