Teen Raped While Walking Home In Huntington, DA Says

HUNTINGTON, NY — A 59-year-old man was indicted Tuesday on rape and related charges after prosecutors said he sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl in an alley as she walked home in Huntington.

Antonio Melendez Reyes was charged with two counts of first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse, two counts of third-degree rape and endangering the welfare of a child, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said Tuesday.

Prosecutors said Melendez Reyes approached the teen on New York Avenue on June 6 and repeatedly asked for her phone number. After she refused, prosecutors said he forced her down an alley and sexually assaulted her.

During the assault, the girl was able to escape while partially unclothed, climb a tall fence and call 911, prosecutors said.

While she was on the phone with police dispatchers, Melendez Reyes continued searching for her, prosecutors said.

Police later found Melendez Reyes and arrested him, according to prosecutors.

Melendez Reyes was arraigned Tuesday before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen Wilutis, who ordered him held on $500,000 cash, $1 million bond or $5 million partially secured bond, prosecutors said.

He is due back in court July 21 and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count, prosecutors said.

Melendez Reyes is represented by Scott Lockwood, who was not immediately available for a request for comment.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer to take custody of Melendez Reyes, a Salvadoran national, following the prosecution, prosecutors said.

“The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing,” Tierney said. “A 16-year-old girl should be able to walk safely without being targeted, pursued, and brutally assaulted. My office will continue to vigorously prosecute defendants who pose serious threats to our community’s safety, especially our children.”