The Penn Yan community was left reeling after a stunning and lengthy investigation into multiple sexual assaults and attacks on young women in the small Yates County village.
Penn Yan police arrested Bryan D. Mayhew, 18, of Penn Yan, for second-degree rape, third-degree rape, forcible touching, and three counts of child endangerment.
The charges follow a month’s long investigation into inappropriate contact with three underage females, according to police.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Mayhew had communicated with multiple underage females, receiving and sending inappropriate photos. It’s further alleged that during the 2024-2025 school year Mayhew inappropriately touched a 14-year-old girl while at school.
In June of 2025 Mayhew had sexual contact with a 16-year-old female. Then in December of 2025, Mayhew had sexual contact again with another, separate 14-year-old female victim.
The incident at the school was not reported to school staff at the time but later came out during interviews with the other victims.
Police have since notified the district of the incident and Mayhew, who is no longer a student, has been banned from all district grounds.
Mayhew was taken into custody at the police department and transported the Yates County Jail. He was later arraigned and released.
Orders of protection have been issued for all known victims.
Police say the investigation is still ongoing with additional charges pending. Police believe there may be additional victims that still have not been identified.
Anyone with information or anyone that may be a victim, are encouraged to contact the Penn Yan Police Department at 315-536-4426.
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