Utica School Custodian Arrested: Police Say 45-Year-Old Made Advances Toward 13-Year-Old Student

State Police confirm charges after a months-long investigation tied to allegations inside a Utica middle school.

UTICA, NY — What started as a quiet investigation is now turning into a case that’s got parents across the Mohawk Valley paying close attention.

According to New York State Police, Abdiwahab A. Mohamed, 45, of Utica, has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child following allegations involving a 13-year-old student at John F. Kennedy Middle School.

State Police spokesperson Trooper Jennifer Jiron confirmed the charge, stating the case stems from an investigation that dates back to January 2026. Authorities say Mohamed allegedly made inappropriate sexual advances toward the student while working inside the school.

He was taken into custody and transported to the Oneida County Jail, where he is awaiting arraignment.

Now here’s what people aren’t letting go of.

This wasn’t something reported yesterday and acted on today. This investigation has reportedly been ongoing for months, and it allegedly happened inside a school building—somewhere parents expect their kids to be protected.

That’s where the conversation is heading now:

What was known, when was it known, and could anything have been done sooner?

At this time, officials have not released additional details about the extent of the alleged conduct or whether prior concerns had been raised before the investigation began.

TVOTT Hillbilly News will continue to follow this case closely and provide updates as more verified information becomes available.

Important: These are allegations, and all individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.