By James DeWeese
Alberto Duque, who lived at 43-09 47th Ave., now faces 20 years in prison for the attacks on five women whose ages ranged from 23 to 40, Brown said. Duque was expected to return to Queens County Criminal Court May 19 for sentencing.
“The defendant has admitted to committing a series of horrific acts against unsuspecting women and will now be punished severely,” Brown said May 5.
A boiler mechanic for Petro Oil Co., Duque pleaded guilty to two rapes, three robberies, a break-in and an incident of threatening, the DA said.
Among the crimes Brown said Duque admitted to committing were the May 18, 2003 rape of a 23-year-old Astoria woman after he pushed her into her apartment during the early morning hours; the Aug. 15, 2003 rape of a 40-year-old woman at Hull Avenue and 64th Street in which he pushed her into the bushes, assaulted her and then robbed her; and an Aug. 17, 2003 break-in at the home of a 24-year-old woman in Long Island City whose screams alerted her boyfriend and caused Duque to flee.
In addition, Brown said Duque admitted to the Nov. 27, 2003 robbery of a 31-year-old Sunnyside woman inside her apartment building and a Nov. 29, 2003 incident in which he approached a 34-year-old woman while driving in Sunnyside and caused her to fear for her safety.
During 2003, the year of Duque's attacks, 23 rapes were reported in the 108th Precinct, which covers portions of Long Island City, Woodside and Sunnyside, according to Police Department crime statistics.
The number represented a better than 90 percent jump over the number of rape cases reported in the precinct during 1993, the statistics show.
Nevertheless, the most recent two-year statistics show a decline of more than 30 percent in the number of reported rapes in the precinct.
Meanwhile, Brown said Duque's arrest and admission of guilt should comfort residents.
“The residents of Queens County should feel a bit more safe knowing that the defendant has been held accountable for his crimes and will be off the street for a long time.”
Reach reporter James DeWeese by e-mail at news@timesledger.com, or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 157
