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Far Rockaway rapist gets 25 to life in ‘06 attack

By Howard Koplowitz

A Far Rockaway man was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison Friday for raping a 37−year−old woman at knifepoint in 2006, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.

Antonio Ortiz, 42, of 85−02 Rockaway Beach Blvd., was convicted in January of predatory sexual assault, rape, a criminal sexual act, burglary and attempted rape after his DNA matched a drop of blood at the crime scene, Brown said.

Ortiz’s DNA profile was in a national database because he had a Brooklyn burglary conviction, the DA said.

The Far Rockaway man was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison Friday before Queens Supreme Court Justice Ronald Hollie, Brown said.

“This defendant is a violent felon with prior convictions for both burglary and sexual assault,” the DA said in a statement. “A life sentence is justified and necessary to protect the law−abiding members of our society from his violent behavior.”

Brown said the woman was sleeping at her friend’s home in Richmond Hill at around 3:30 a.m. Aug. 24, 2006, when Ortiz broke into the house on the first floor. He was holding a knife and said he was a police officer.

When the victim tried to flee, Ortiz pushed her onto a bed, raped her and robbed her and her friend of money, gold jewelry and other items before leaving, the DA said.

A drop of blood found on the ledge of the kitchen window was the key piece of evidence that helped convict Ortiz, Brown said.

Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e−mail at hkoplowitz@timesledger.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 173.