Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. has announced the sentencing of 46-year-old Patrick Robles to 10 years in prison following an attempted rape on a New York City subway train. The incident, which occurred on a northbound J train at the Chambers Street station, led to Robles pleading guilty to one count of Attempted Rape in the First Degree, according to a statement released by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
In addition to the decade-long prison sentence, Robles will be subjected to, 10 years of post-release supervision. The brutal attack took place on June 9, 2023, when Robles, with his pants undone and his penis exposed, approached a 29-year-old woman on the subway. The confrontation escalated when the woman attempted to flee, and Robles forcefully kept her inside the train car as the doors closed, as described in court documents and recorded statements.
"Patrick Robles violently attempted to rape a young woman on the subway as she did everything she could to escape the attack," District Attorney Bragg said. He expressed his gratitude towards the survivor for her courage both during the prosecution process and in her presence at the sentencing. During the incident, the perpetrator not only assaulted the victim but also robbed her of cash before she managed to escape and get help from a bystander at the Fulton Street station, as per the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
The successful conviction was the result of efforts by Assistant D.A.s Katelyn Colman, Candace White, and Mirah Curzer, while Assistant D.A.s Kaitlyn Flatley, Bethany Spiro, and Vanessa Puzio (Deputy Chiefs of the Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Bureau) provided oversight. Executive Assistant D.A. Justin McNabney, Chief of the Special Victims Division, was also involved in supervising the prosecution. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office indicated that a dedicated sex crimes counselor offered, essential support to the survivor throughout the ordeal. The NYPD, particularly Detective Michael Orlando of the Transit Special Victims Squad, were recognized by D.A. Bragg for their assistance in the case.
The sentence and subsequent announcement came as part of Manhattan's ongoing efforts to address sexual violence and provide justice for survivors.
