Brooklyn Man Accused Of Impersonating Cop, Sexually Assaulting Teen
NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- A Brooklyn man has been accused of sexually assaulting a teenager, while pretending to be a police officer.
On Wednesday, Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson announced that Walter Barnes, 47, had been arraigned on an eight count indictment.
Barnes has been charged with forcing sex acts on an 18-year-old woman in Bushwick while claiming to be a police officer, last October.
"This defendant is accused of impersonating a police officer to commit a cowardly and deplorable crime against an innocent young woman. He will now be held accountable for his actions," Thompson said.
Authorities say Barnes flagged down his victim and offered her a ride on the morning of October 2. When she entered the car, near Aberdeen Street and Bushwick Avenue, Barnes allegedly identified himself as a cop and threatened to arrest her if she did not perform a sex act on him.
The victim initially tried to escape the vehicle but the doors were locked. The defendant allegedly tried to rape the young woman, but she was able to grab the keys from the ignition and escape, the DA said.
Barnes has been charged with two counts of predatory sexual assault, two counts of first-degree criminal sexual acts, first-degree attempted rape, two counts of third-degree sexual act, and one count of first-degree criminal impersonation.
His bail was set at $200,000 cash or $250,000 bond. Barnes was ordered to return to court on February 27. He faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
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