Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. today announced the indictment of JUAN HERNANDEZ, 38, for attempting to rape an 80-year-old woman in an unprovoked, early-morning attack on a Chinatown sidewalk. HERNANDEZ is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Attempted Rape in the First Degree, one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, among other charges. [1] 

“As alleged, Juan Hernandez sexually assaulted and attempted to rape an 80-year-old woman in a brutal early-morning attack on the streets of Chinatown,” said District Attorney Bragg. “If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault, please call our Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373. I hope the survivor continues to heal from this deeply disturbing assault.” 

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on November 9, 2024, at approximately 6:00 a.m., HERNANDEZ approached an 80-year-old woman near the corner of Grand Street and Chrystie Street. HERNANDEZ forcibly touched the woman, causing her to turn and quickly walk away. Moments later, HERNANDEZ grabbed her from behind, lifting her off her feet, turned her around and put her on her back on the sidewalk. 

HERNANDEZ then unzipped her jacket, groped her, and began to pull her pants down. While the woman struggled to keep her pants up, HERNANDEZ pulled her hand away, bent her fingers backward, and scratched her wrist. 

Bystanders intervened, pulled HERNANDEZ off the woman, and held him until officers arrived. 

Assistant D.A. Abel McDonnell (Trial Bureau 30) is handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Bethany Spiro (Deputy Bureau Chief of Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Bureau) and Executive Assistant D.A. Justin McNabney (Chief of the Special Victims Division). 

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective Steven Clarke of the Manhattan Special Victims Squad and Officer Christop Vedutis of the 5th Precinct. 

Defendant Information: 

JUAN HERNANDEZ 

Watkins Glen, NY 

Charged:

• Attempted Rape in the First Degree, a class B felony, one count
• Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a class D felony, one count
• Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, two counts
• Forcible Touching, a class A misdemeanor, one count
• Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, a class B misdemeanor, one count 

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.