By Naeisha Rose
Frantz Petion, an emergency medical technician for the FDNY was arraigned Monday on charges of first-degree rape and endangering the welfare of a 10-year-old girl in Kew Gardens at Queens Criminal Court, the Queens district attorney said.
Petion is accused of forcibly sexually assaulting the girl while she was sleeping in an attic bedroom during a house party in Hollis on Saturday evening, according to the DA’s office.
“The defendant, who attended a birthday celebration while off-duty is alleged to have turned it into a nightmare for this 10-year-old girl and her family,” DA Richard Brown said.
Petion allegedly held the girl by her neck as he raped her, and she started to scream as he put his hand over her mouth and threatened to hit her, according to the DA’s office.
Petion’s voice alerted a male family friend to his presence as he went upstairs to check on the victim in her bedroom, the DA said.
Once the family friend opened the door, he saw the defendant next to the partially clothed victim,
If convicted Petion, could face up to 25 years in prison, Criminal Court Judge Scott Dunn said.
“He will be vigorously prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Brown said.
Dunn set Petion’s bond at $500,000 and cash bail at $400,000.
Petion was ordered to return to court March 23.
Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by e-mail at nrose
