ICYMI: DA To Investigate Greenpoint Portable Bathroom Rape

GREENPOINT, BROOKLYN — The Brooklyn District Attorney's office will now investigate a woman’s accusations that she was raped in a Greenpoint portable bathroom, despite previously declining to pursue charges.

The 26-year-old woman was found crying and shaking near 176 Banker Street around 6:20 p.m. Monday by a local chef who called the police.

The woman told Maria Rizzo, 42, that two men had grabbed her, pulled her into a portable toilet and sexually assaulted her.

Two suspects were quickly apprehended but released when the woman provided an inconsistent account of her attack, police said.

Prosecutors decided there was not enough evidence to support a case and declined to press charges, a law enforcement source said.

News that the two suspects had been released spurred outrage in the neighborhood and on Tuesday afternoon local resident Emily Gallagher announced there would be a candlelight vigil to express solidarity with the woman Thursday night.

A day later, Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez reversed his position and told reporters his office would meet with the woman and social workers to discuss the case, a Brooklyn district attorney’s office spokesman said.

A candlelight vigil was held on 8 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Banker Street and Norman Avenue, where the young woman was found.