Flushing Man Pleads Guilty To Kissena Park Sexual Assaults

FLUSHING, QUEENS — A Flushing man pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two women in Kissena Park on two consecutive days in 2017.

Charles Tobin, 31, pleaded guilty Tuesday to rape and sexual abuse charges for attacking two woman at knifepoint, prosecutors said. Tobin will serve 15 years in prison, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision, according to the Queens District Attorney's office.

On July 18, 2017, Tobin held a knife to a 32-year-old woman walking in Kissena Park just before 11 p.m. and demanded money, according to the charges. The woman handed Tobin cash from her purse, then he sexually assaulted her, the charges say.

The following night, Tobin held a knife to a 17-year-old girl jogging in Kissena Park and demanded money, then sexually abused her, according to the charges.

"The City’s parks should be a safe place to visit on any day at any time of the day," Chief Assistant District Attorney John M. Ryan said. "This defendant, however, made this peaceful green space a terrifying place for women."

Tobin's sentencing is scheduled for May 14, 2019.