A former adjunct professor at Farmingdale State College has pleaded not guilty to raping and choking a student in a campus parking lot earlier this month, according to authorities. Antoine Munfakh, 44, faces charges of first-degree sexual abuse, third-degree rape and third-degree criminal obstruction of breathing stemming from the Oct. 15 encounter.
According to Newsday, a felony complaint alleges Munfakh forced the student to perform oral sex on him and also groped her breasts and choked her during the incident, which occurred in Parking Lot 6 on the Suffolk County campus. Munfakh was arraigned on Oct. 16 and entered not guilty pleas to all three charges.
A court set bail alternatives of $20,000 cash, a $40,000 insured bond or a $200,000 partially secured bond, per the same account. Munfakh's attorney, Scott E. Leemon, said his client maintains his innocence. “He absolutely denies the allegations and looks forward to proving his innocence in court,” Leemon said.
Campus Police Responded After 911 Call
Farmingdale State College University Police responded to assist the student and provide immediate care after Suffolk County police received the 911 call reporting the assault, the station's report notes. College officials said they have remained in contact with the student and have ensured full access to campus mental health resources and support services.
Munfakh worked as an adjunct assistant professor in Farmingdale State's Aviation Administration Department from Aug. 29, 2024, through June 5, 2025, meaning he was no longer employed by the college at the time of the alleged assault, according to the same report. Farmingdale State College, part of the SUNY system, is located in Babylon, New York.
What the Charges Carry Under New York Law
Under New York Penal Law Section 130.25, Munfakh is charged with rape in the third degree. Separately, Section 130.65 defines first-degree sexual abuse as subjecting another person to sexual contact by forcible compulsion or when that person is incapable of consent due to physical helplessness.
The obstruction charge Munfakh faces falls under Section 121.11, which addresses intentionally impeding another person's normal breathing or blood circulation, including by applying pressure to the throat or neck. Munfakh is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 4, where the case is expected to proceed further.
