A city corrections officer allegedly raped a 20-year-old woman in his Queens home in March after posing as a television producer who could help her get an acting job, prosecutors said Monday.
Rikers guard Anthony Martin Jr., 32, was charged with first-degree rape after he allegedly contacted the victim via social media while pretending to work in show business, the Queens District Attorney’s Office said.
When the woman arrived at Martin’s Springfield Gardens home on March 26, she expected to meet other producers and possible additional cast members.
But when the victim entered the house, Martin was alone and began touching her leg, prosecutors alleged.
She tried to escape but was stopped by Martin, who then allegedly pulled down her pants and raped her, prosecutors said.
When Martin finally allowed the victim to leave the house, the young woman went to the police and sought medical help.
District Attorney Melinda Katz thanked the “courageous survivor for coming forward” in a statement.
“My office advocates for victims of sexual violence and we have secured a grand jury indictment against the defendant for first-degree rape,” Katz said.
Martin was also charged with first-degree sexual abuse, third-degree rape and second-degree false imprisonment. He faces up to 25 years in prison. He is currently free on bail.
Defense attorney Steven Gaitman said his client was prepared to contest the charges.
“Ultimately, he vehemently denies the allegations and looks forward to vigorously defending himself at trial,” he told the Post.
Martin, who has worked as a correctional officer since 2015, was suspended without pay on April 2, according to a corrections department spokesman and his attorney.