Westchester Man Repeatedly Raped Women He Lured To U.S. On Dating Apps: DA

WHITE PLAINS, NY — A nightmare that played out on dating apps, and in a Westchester apartment, has ended with dozens of charges related to sexual abuse, according to prosecutors.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced today that a White Plains man was charged in a 27-count indictment for repeatedly raping and sexually abusing two women whom he lured to the United States through dating apps.

Pablo Alexander De La Cruz, 33, was arraigned Wednesday in Westchester County Court on charges that included rape, sexual abuse, forcible touching, and unlawful imprisonment. He was also indicted on charges related to unlawful surveillance and obstruction of breathing or blood circulation.

"The alleged conduct in this case is reprehensible and deeply disturbing," Cacace said. "The defendant allegedly preyed upon the vulnerabilities of these young women, exploiting their trust and subjecting them to rape, sexual abuse, and emotional manipulation. Their courage in coming forward and reporting the alleged abuse is an inspiration to all survivors, and I commend the diligent work of my office and the White Plains Police Department in pursuing this case."

The DA said the charges should send a warning to would-be predators.

"This indictment sends a clear message that this behavior will not be tolerated in Westchester, and that I will continue to use every available resource, including working closely with our law enforcement partners, to protect and support survivors of sexual assault and hold offenders accountable," she said. "We encourage anyone with information about this case to contact our office or the White Plains Police Department, as our investigation remains ongoing."

Investigators say that between March and June, De La Cruz separately lured two women, one from Eastern Europe and the other from Northern Europe, to the U.S. through dating apps under the pretense of pursuing a relationship. He purchased their plane tickets and then brought each victim back to his White Plains apartment on separate occasions, where he forcibly raped and sexually abused them while emotionally manipulating them, according to police.

The first victim, who traveled to the U.S. in March, was raped by De La Cruz on the day she arrived, with the sexual abuse continuing for approximately two months, according to the allegations made in the indictment. On at least one occasion, De La Cruz made a secret recording of the sexual abuse, according to the accusations.

De La Cruz refused to assist the victim after she lost her passport, prompting her to eventually escape his home and report the abuse to police, triggering an investigation, police said.

The second victim, who traveled to the U.S. in June, was raped by De La Cruz the day after she arrived, according to allegations made in court. Days later, after resisting his sexual advances, De La Cruz kicked her out of his apartment, leaving her homeless and prompting her to report the sexual abuse to police and seek medical treatment, according to the DA.

"Justice demands that we stand as a shield for the vulnerable. The successful indictment of Pablo Alexander De La Cruz underscores the White Plains Police Department's steadfast commitment to integrity and victim protection," White Plains Police Commissioner Wade Hardy said. "By working hand-in-hand with the Westchester County District Attorney's Office, we ensure that no case goes un-investigated and no predator goes unchallenged. This partnership is about more than just an arrest; it is about guaranteeing that victims, no matter where they are from, receive the justice they deserve. I am proud of the diligence shown by our officers and our partners in this critical pursuit."

De La Cruz was arrested on July 10, by the White Plains Police Department, with assistance from the Westchester County District Attorney's Criminal Investigators Squad. He pleaded not guilty and is being held at the Westchester County Jail on bail, which was set at $400,000 cash, $2 million bond, and $3 million partially secured bond. His next court date is Nov. 17.

The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the White Plains Police Department and the Westchester County District Attorney's Criminal Investigators Squad.

Other potential victims, or have anyone with additional information, are being asked to contact the White Plains Police Department at 914-422-6256, submit a tip through the website, or call the Westchester County District Attorney's Office multi-lingual tips line at 914-995-TIPS (8477).

The case is being prosecuted by Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Bureau Chief Michelle Lopez and Senior Assistant DA Mollie O'Rourke.