Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of JHONATAN CORTES-LOPEZ, 21, for sexually assaulting a woman walking on West 111th Street in June 2023 and sexually assaulting two women in Riverside Park in July 2023. CORTES-LOPEZ is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with Attempted Rape in the First Degree, Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, and Assault in the Second Degree, among other charges.[1]
“As alleged, this individual targeted women walking alone in a pattern of disturbing attacks,” said District Attorney Bragg. “I encourage anyone who believes they have been the victim of or witness to a sex crime to call us at 212-335-9373. We have the resources to help you in a trauma-informed manner that centers your needs and your experience.”
According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, at approximately 5:35 p.m. on June 25, 2023, a 21-year-old woman was walking on West 111th Street near Amsterdam Avenue when CORTES-LOPEZ approached her while riding his bike. He commented on her appearance before dismounting the bike on the sidewalk. As the survivor attempted to pass him, he groped her. He continued to follow her until she reached a security guard and asked for help.
At approximately 4:40 p.m. on July 18, 2023, CORTES-LOPEZ approached a 19-year-old woman talking on her phone inside Riverside Park near West 79th Street. He made a lewd comment and groped her before leaving on his bike.
Later that evening at approximately 9:45 p.m., CORTES-LOPEZ rode his bike near a 38-year-old runner before cutting her off and blocking the path with his bike. He grabbed her wrists and attacked her, including tackling her to the ground and attempting to rape her. The survivor fought back and screamed, and CORTES-LOPEZ eventually fled on his bike.
He was arrested three days later following an investigation by the NYPD’s Manhattan Special Victims Squad.
Assistant D.A.s Katelyn Damanis and Miya Saint-Louis are handling this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Vanessa Puzio, Katelyn Flatley, and Sara Weiss (Deputy Chiefs of the Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Bureau), and Nicole Blumberg (Chief of the Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Bureau), and Executive Assistant D.A. Justin McNabney (Chief of the Special Victims Division). Investigative Analyst Anya Tullman is assisting with the case.
D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD’s Manhattan Special Victims Squad, particularly Detective Steven Clarke.
Defendant Information:
JHONATAN CORTES-LOPEZ
New York, New York
Charges:
- Attempted Rape in the First Degree, a class C felony, one count
- Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a class D felony, one count
- Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, one count
- Forcible Touching, a class A misdemeanor, two counts
- Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, a class B misdemeanor, two counts
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