A 59-year-old Salvadoran national, was indicted for the savage rape of a 16-year-old girl in a Huntington alley, a horrific attack.
Antonio Melendez Reyes faces up to 25 years behind bars after prosecutors say he targeted the innocent teen as she walked home on New York Avenue on the evening of June 6th.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Reyes allegedly began pestering the girl for her phone number, refusing to take no for an answer.
When she rejected his advances according to cops, he allegedly forced her down a dark alley and brutally sexually assaulted her.
Law enforcement reported that the victim managed to escape her attacker while partially unclothed, scaled a tall fence in a desperate bid for safety, and immediately called 911.
Even as she was on the phone with police dispatch, Reyes was reportedly still prowling the area searching for her, according to court papers.
Suffolk County police arrived quickly and nabbed Reyes at the scene.
“The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing,” Suffolk County DA Raymond A. Tierney said.
“A 16-year-old girl should be able to walk safely in our community without being targeted, pursued, and brutally assaulted. My office will continue to vigorously prosecute defendants who pose serious threats to our community’s safety, especially our children.”
Reyes was arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis on two counts of Rape in the First Degree, one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, two counts of Rape in the Third Degree, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Justice Wilutis ordered him held on $500,000 cash, $1 million bond, or $5 million partially secured bond.
He is due back in court July 21st.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has already lodged a detainer to take him into custody following any conviction.
Reyes is represented by attorney Scott Lockwood.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ashley Moruzzi of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau.
It was investigated by Detective Jeremy Corcino of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Second Precinct.