DNA nails burglar for rape too

A man who allegedly identified himself as a police officer while committing burglary and rape in Richmond Hill last August was recently arrested following a DNA cold hit.
Antonio Ortiz, 40 of Far Rockaway, allegedly burglarized a home in Richmond Hill on August 24, 2006 at about 3:30 a.m., at which time, he is also accused of raping a 37-year-old houseguest. After entering the second floor bedroom where the victim was sleeping, Ortiz allegedly held a knife on her while committing the rape, also stating that he was a police officer.
Ortiz’s DNA, which was on file following a Brooklyn burglary conviction, was matched to the Richmond Hill incident using the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), which is a national database.
The charges against Ortiz are first-degree rape, first-degree criminal sexual act, first-degree burglary and first-degree criminal impersonation.
“This case underscores yet again the crucial importance of DNA evidence,” said Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown. “The defendant is alleged to have thought that he could avoid apprehension in the case, but was ultimately done in by his own genes. I hope the victim in this case feels a sense of comfort knowing her alleged perpetrator has been apprehended and is being held behind bars.”
Currently, Ortiz is being held without bail. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Ortiz is scheduled to appear in court again on February 5.