DOC officer arrested in Queens rape
QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) --- A New York City correction officer is accused of raping a 20-year-old woman after luring her to his Queens apartment for a fake acting job, authorities said.
Anthony Martin, 32, was arraigned Monday on charges of rape and sexual abuse in connection to the March 26 attack, according to prosecutors.
Martin allegedly reached out to the victim on social media pretending to be a television producer before inviting her to his home for an audition for a new show, according to court records.
When the victim got to his Spring Gardens apartment, Martin was alone and when he began touching her leg, she tried to leave. Martin then allegedly blocked the door and pulled down her pants and raped her, prosecutors said.
The victim reported the incident and Martin was arrested on April 2. He has been suspended without pay since his arrest, according to a DOC spokesperson.
“This defendant – a New York City correction officer – lured a young woman to his home with promises of casting her in an upcoming television show. Instead, he allegedly sexually assaulted her and imprisoned the woman. Thank you to the brave survivor for coming forward," Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.
The defendant was also charged with unlawful imprisonment.
Martin's lawyer could not immediately be reached Monday.
Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.