NEW YORK, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced the arraignment of Tony Kempsey, who is accused of sexually assaulting and beating a 49-year-old woman after offering her a ride on his motorcycle. The incident occurred in Elmhurst, Queens.
District Attorney Katz expressed her dismay over the heinous nature of the attack, stating, “This kind of horrific attack is a nightmare. The defendant evaded arrest for weeks and now will be held accountable.”
Kempsey, a 58-year-old resident of Brooklyn’s Butler Street, was arraigned on multiple charges, including first-degree rape, two counts of second-degree assault, and first-degree sexual abuse. During the arraignment at Queens Criminal Court, Judge Jeffrey Gershuny remanded the defendant and scheduled his next court appearance for May 16.
If convicted, Kempsey could face a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
According to the charges, which are supported by video surveillance footage and the investigation conducted by the New York Police Department, the incident took place on Sunday, April 30, at approximately 5 a.m. Kempsey was riding his motorcycle in Elmhurst when he encountered the victim walking on the sidewalk. He offered her a ride and they traveled together for a short while before parking the motorcycle and continuing on foot.
Suddenly, and without warning, Kempsey began repeatedly punching the victim in the face.
After she fell to the ground, he proceeded to rape her. Following the assault, the defendant fled the scene, while the victim managed to seek assistance.
The victim was treated at a hospital in Queens for head trauma and other injuries resulting from the attack.