By Rich Bockmann
A Greek national was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport last week where authorities said he sneaked past the TSA security checkpoint with a stun gun he had allegedly used to subdue his former girlfriend before he raped her, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.
Prodromos Vasilopoulos, 23, of Athens, Greece, was arrested at JFK March 13 as he was trying to board a flight to London, the DA said.
Over a five-day period in February, Vasilopoulos allegedly called and texted his ex-girlfriend approximately 200 times saying that she “will pay” for breaking up with him, according to one of two criminal complaints filed by the DA’s office.
On March 12, the 19-year-old woman received a UPS package and heard a knock at the door. Someone said “wrong delivery” and when she opened the door, Vasilopoulos allegedly jolted her with stun gun on her neck and midsection, according to a separate complaint filed by the DA.
He then allegedly shoved his fingers in her mouth to muffle her screams and continued to jolt her, saying “Now you will pay for everything. Why did you do this to me? I want answers,” the complaint said.
Authorities said Vasilopoulos then allegedly assaulted the woman and raped her.
Just after midnight the victim told Vasilopoulos she wanted to go to the hospital, and he told her he wanted to have sex with her “one last time before she died” and allegedly raped her again, according to the complaint.
“The facts alleged in this case chronicle a frightening ordeal of mental, physical and sexual violence,” Brown said. “Hopefully, the young woman who was brutally victimized will rest easier in knowing that her alleged rapist has been brought to justice and will be vigorously prosecuted. However, even after the physical abuse has stopped, the psychological trauma caused by sexual assault can be severe and long-lasting.”
The victim went to a hospital where a sexual evidence kit was prepared and she was treated for her injuries, Brown said.
Vasilopoulos was arrested and later arraigned on charges of predatory sexual assault, burglary, strangulation, criminal possession of a weapon and harassment, the DA said.
If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison, Brown added.
Reach reporter Rich Bockmann by e-mail at rbockmann@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4574.
