By Rich Bockmann
Authorities Tuesday evening said they had arrested and charged a homeless man with molesting two 7-year-old girls in South Ozone Park last week.
Queens District Attorney Richard Brown identified the suspect as 25-year-old Lee Samuel.
Brown said Samuel was accused of touching one victim on her buttocks May 1 as she bent over to tie her shoe.
Several hours later Samuel approached another girl and asked her if she wanted to play a game, telling her to cover her eyes with her hands and stick out her tongue, Brown said.
When the girl opened her eyes Samuel had allegedly exposed himself and then he grabbed her by the waist and engaged in a sexual act with her, the DA said.
“The defendant is accused of being a sexual predator,” Brown said. “Such an allegation makes him a threat to children and a clear and present danger to society in general. Such conduct, if proven true, cannot go unpunished.”
Brown said Samuel was awaiting arraignment on two criminal complaints: one charging him with a criminal sex act and endangering the welfare of a child, the other charging him with forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child.
He faces up to 25 years in jail if convicted, Brown said.
Reach reporter Rich Bockmann by e-mail at rbockmann@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4574.
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