By Peter Sorkin
Frederick Monroe, 35, was identified from samples of DNA taken at the scene of the crimes, a New York City detective told a news conference Nov. 15.
Inspector Michael Collins of the Detective Borough of Manhattan said Monroe has a history of committing violent crimes and assaults. He has been a fugitive from the law since failing to report to his parole officer on Oct. 22, said Police Officer Valerie St. Rose, a Police Department spokeswoman.
In the first attack Sunday, Nov. 11, at 8:35 pm., Monroe allegedly followed a 28-year-old Astoria woman into her 29th Street residence and forced his way into her apartment, said St. Rose. He allegedly tied her up and sexually assaulted her, the officer said. He also is suspected of stealing jewelry and cash as well as her automated-teller machine card and password, which he apparently used at a nearby grocery, St. Rose said.
After making his way to Manhattan about two hours later at 10:40 p.m., Monroe followed a 40-year-old woman from the elevator into her hotel room on the Upper East Side, the officer said.
Once he pushed his way into her room, he allegedly knocked her down, ordered her to undress, and tied her up and raped her, St. Rose said. Police contend he stole her ATM card and password as well and used it at a nearby store, she said.
Monroe's criminal record, which includes numerous robberies and assaults, dates back to 1982, said Collins. He was released from an upstate jail in December after serving 10 years on a robbery and an attempted murder charge. He has been a fugitive since failing to continue to meet with his parole officer since October, police said.
Anyone with information can call the crime stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. A $2,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Monroe's arrest.
