BRONX, NY – A Long Island man has been indicted for assaulting, sexually abusing, and restraining a woman he had previously dated after meeting her on a dating app.
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced the indictment against Herman Brightman, also known as Nazir, 30, of Branch Avenue, Central Islip. Brightman faces charges of first-degree Sexual Abuse, Forcible Touching, second-degree Strangulation, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, second-degree Assault, third-degree Assault, second-degree Unlawful Imprisonment, and fourth-degree Criminal Mischief. The defendant appeared before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Kim Parker and is due back in court on January 10, 2024.
The victim and Brightman met on Hinge, an online dating platform, and were involved for approximately one month. According to authorities, Brightman attacked the woman in her apartment in the Parkchester area of the Bronx on the night of September 28. Brightman allegedly physically and sexually abused the woman and prevented her from leaving her apartment.
The victim managed to escape with the assistance of her best friend, who called the police and hurried to the scene. District Attorney Clark underscored the importance of vigilance against intimate partner violence, particularly as October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Clark urged caution while using dating apps.