Queens D.A. Says Rape Conviction Underlines The Importance Of DNA Evidence
NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- A Queens man has been convicted of threatening, robbing, and sexually assaulting a teenage girl.
Andrew Barrett, 22, was convicted of first-degree course of sexual conduct, first-degree rape, first-degree attempted rape, and third-degree robbery, the Queens District Attorney's office announced on Wednesday.
The victim, a 19-year-old woman, had been walking on Merrick Boulevard in the early morning hours of October 13, 2011 when Barrett approached her with a black bandana covering his face. Barrett displayed a box cutter and swung it at the woman before dragging her behind a dumpster and sexually assaulting her, according to trial testimony.
Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said that Barrett then dragged the woman to another location where he sexually assaulted her again, this time using a condom, that he left near the scene of the assault.
Following the second assault, Barrett took the victim's iPod, $10 in cash, and a debit card, the D.A.'s office said.
The used condom was recovered at the scene and turned over to the medical examiner who positively matched the DNA in the condom to Barrett's DNA profile. Barrett's DNA had already existed in the state data bank due to a previous conviction.
Brown commended the victim for confronting Barrett at his trial.
"The defendant stands convicted of being a sexual predator who subjected his victim to a terrorizing ordeal. While the scars of that which occurred will be with her for the rest of her life, she proved to be resilient and exhibited grace and dignity as she confronted her attacker at trial. She is to be commended for her bravery in ensuring that the guilty did not escape justice," he said.
Brown added that the case underscored the importance of DNA evidence.
"This case also underscores the crucial importance of DNA evidence which is irrefutable proof of guilt or innocence. Jurors returned a swift and decisive verdict and the defendant now faces a lengthy prison sentence," Brown said.
Barrett will be sentenced on June 3, he faces up to 25 years in prison.
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