Charles Tobin, 31, will face 15 years in prison. (iStock)
April 11, 2019 By Laura Hanrahan
A Flushing man has pleaded guilty to rape and sexual abuse for two separate knife-point attacks on two different women in Kissena Park back in July 2017.
Charles Tobin, 31, will be sentenced to 15 years in prison for his crimes, followed by a 10 year post-release supervision period.
“The City’s parks should be a safe place to visit on any day at any time of the day,” said Chief Assistant District Attorney John M. Ryan in a statement. “This defendant, however, made this peaceful green space a terrifying place for women. The defendant has now admitted his guilt and will be locked away to keep others safe and to punish him for these heinous acts.”
On July 18, 2017, Tobin held a knife to a 32-year-old woman as she walked into the park around 11 p.m. He demanded money from her, which she handed over, and then forced her to perform a sex act on him before raping her at knife point, according to the charges.
The following day, again around 11 p.m., Tobin held a knife to a 17-year-old female jogger inside the park and demanded money. When she said she did not have any, Tobin responded by saying “Then you will have to do something for me.” He then sexually abused her before forcing her to perform a sex act on him.
Tobin will appear again in court on May 14 for sentencing.
