Man accused of posing as driving instructor in Rochester allegedly rapes 18-year-old victim after taking her to apartment during lesson appointment

Rochester, New York – A 58-year-old Rochester man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he pretended to be a driving instructor before taking an 18-year-old woman to his apartment and sexually assaulting her.

According to the Rochester Police Department, Wayne Plummer was arrested after officers responded to an incident involving a young woman from Orleans County who had traveled to Rochester for what she believed was a legitimate driving school appointment.

Police said the victim arrived by bus to the area near State Street and Lyell Avenue, expecting to meet a driving instructor. Investigators allege she entered Plummer’s vehicle under the impression that he was connected to the lesson she had scheduled.

Instead of taking her to a driving session, authorities say Plummer drove the victim to his apartment on Hudson Avenue.

Once there, police allege the 58-year-old sexually assaulted the woman and unlawfully prevented her from leaving. The victim, according to investigators, managed to contact a family member through a message asking for help. That message ultimately led officers to the apartment, where Plummer was taken into custody at the scene.

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Emergency responders transported the victim to a hospital following the incident. Police have not released additional details about her condition, but investigators confirmed she received medical attention after officers intervened.

Plummer is now charged with first-degree rape, sexual abuse, and unlawful imprisonment. Following his arrest, he was taken to the Monroe County Jail, where authorities say he remains in custody on $5,000 bail.

As information about the case spread online, the Rochester City School District issued a public statement to address what it described as inaccurate claims circulating about Plummer’s employment status.

“The Rochester City School District is aware of inaccurate information circulating publicly today regarding the employment status of the individual recently charged in a serious criminal matter.

To be clear, this individual is not an employee of the Rochester City School District.

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We understand the seriousness of this matter and the concern it has raised in the community. Because this is an active criminal investigation and legal proceeding, the District will not comment further. This clarification is being shared to ensure accurate information is available to our students, families, staff, and community.

Our thoughts are with the young woman and her loved ones.”

The statement was released as concern and discussion about the case continued across Rochester and surrounding communities. Authorities have not indicated whether Plummer had any official ties to a licensed driving school, and investigators have not released further details about how the victim connected with him prior to the alleged assault.

Police said additional information about the investigation was expected to be shared during a scheduled media briefing later in the afternoon.

The case has intensified concerns about personal safety during private appointments and services arranged through unfamiliar contacts. Investigators continue to piece together the timeline of events leading up to the alleged assault while urging the public to rely on verified businesses and trusted references when arranging transportation or instructional services.

For now, Plummer remains jailed as the criminal case moves forward in Monroe County.