Social media personality Benjamin Gleason was taken into custody on Friday in New York, facing serious allegations of sexual assault. The 39-year-old influencer, known to his 1.1 million TikTok followers, was formally booked on March 20 in connection with multiple felony charges.
Serious Criminal Allegations
According to legal documents reviewed by TMZ, Gleason faces two counts of rape among other charges. The comprehensive list of accusations includes criminal sexual act in the first degree by forcible compulsion, sexual abuse in the first degree, aggravated sexual abuse in the second degree, and predatory sexual assault committed against more than one person.
Additionally, Gleason was charged with criminal sex acts conducted with a person incapable of consent. These serious allegations have emerged following an investigation into the influencer's activities.
Social Media Presence and Personal Struggles
Gleason, a native of Campbell Island, New York, maintains a significant online presence across multiple platforms. On his TikTok profile, he describes himself as "an American artist" and "your girlfriend's favorite influencer." His Instagram account, with approximately 31,000 followers, features his self-description as a performance artist, AV production specialist, musician, and someone who is "lost AF."
His social media content typically includes musical performances, lip-syncing videos, and candid discussions about his personal challenges, particularly his ongoing battle with borderline personality disorder.
Recent Financial Appeals and Dental Issues
Earlier this month, Gleason launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking $6,000 for dental procedures he claimed were essential. In a March 6 post, he explained that his teeth had been damaged during a period of substance abuse, and despite being "clean and sober" for two years, he couldn't afford the necessary repairs.
"Every day, I'm reminded of my journey and the toll it took on my health, especially when I look in the mirror or try to smile," Gleason wrote in his fundraising appeal. He expressed how the dental issues affected his self-esteem and ability to connect authentically with his audience.
The influencer emphasized that as someone with over a million followers, spreading positivity was his passion, but he felt unable to "truly be" himself until addressing his dental problems. "I can't smile or express joy the way I want to, and it's left me feeling embarrassed and like a light has gone out inside me," he added.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Daily Mail has contacted the Columbia County Jail in Hudson, New York, for additional information regarding Gleason's arrest and the ongoing investigation. The charges against the social media personality represent serious allegations that will now proceed through the legal system.
Gleason's case highlights the complex intersection of social media influence, personal struggles, and serious criminal allegations. As the legal process unfolds, his substantial online following awaits further developments in what has become a significant story at the crossroads of digital celebrity culture and criminal justice.
