Queens, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the indictment of Jerson Vasquez, 23, of 170th Street in Jamaica, for attempted murder, rape, and other crimes. Vasquez allegedly arranged to meet a woman for paid sex, then brutally attacked her and stole back the money he initially paid.
District Attorney Katz indicated that the charges reflect the severe nature of the attack. Vasquez is considered a dangerous, violent sexual predator.
Vasquez was arraigned on multiple charges, including attempted murder in the second degree and rape in the first degree. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michelle Johnson ordered Vasquez to return to court on September 27. If convicted, he faces a 25-year prison sentence for each of the attempted murder and rape charges.
According to the indictment, Vasquez responded to an ad on Facebook Marketplace for prostitution-related services on August 13. He arranged to meet the woman at an address on 93rd Avenue in Jamaica and directed her to the roof of the building.
Upon meeting, Vasquez gave the woman $150. After initiating sexual intercourse, Vasquez attacked her, demanding his money back. He physically assaulted the woman, choked her, and took back the $150 he had given her.
The attack escalated when Vasquez sat on the woman and applied pressure to her throat. He sexually assaulted her a second time and took her cellphone before fleeing. Surveillance footage captured Vasquez leaving the scene around 5:51 p.m., appearing to have blood on his neck and hand.
The victim was hospitalized and treated for multiple injuries, including a laceration to the back of her head requiring staples, extensive bruising, and substantial pain.