D.A. Bragg Announces Sentencing In East Harlem Roadside Sex Assault

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the sentencing of GEOVANNI ROMERO GONZALES, 27, to seven years in state prison and ten years of post-release supervision for attacking a woman who was walking to the subway and sexually assaulting her behind a parked car in East Harlem in March 2023. On June 7, 2024, ROMERO GONZALES was convicted by a New York State Supreme Court jury of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.

"I thank our prosecutors for their careful handling of this sensitive case, and most of all, the survivor for her bravery in testifying about this traumatic attack," said District Attorney Bragg. "If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please call us at 212-335-9373. Trauma-informed, survivor-centered care is available."

As proven at trial, at approximately 1:45 a.m. on March 8, 2023, ROMERO GONZALES began following the 21-year-old survivor as she walked to the subway, insisting that he knew her. She ran, but ROMERO GONZALES caught her at the corner of East 111^th Street and 3^rd Avenue, and pulled her to the ground. He pinned her face-down on the hood of a parked car and sexually assaulted her.

Eventually, the survivor was able to escape, but ROMERO GONZALES fled the scene before the survivor called 911. NYPD detectives investigated, tracked ROMERO GONZALES, and arrested him the following day.

Assistant D.A.s Mirah Curzer and Meghan McLoughlin handled the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Executive Assistant D.A. Justin McNabney (Chief of the Special Victims Division). Senior Investigator Donjya Bardliving and Investigative Analyst Anya Tullman assisted with the case, as did Sex Crimes Clinical Director Nakeisha Vanterpool.

District Attorney Bragg thanked the NYPD, especially Detective Samantha Crisci and the rest of the Manhattan Special Victims Squad, as well as the Department of Homeless Services.

Defendant Information:

GEOVANNI ROMERO GONZALES

New York, New York

Convicted:

• Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a class D felony, one count

Sentenced:

• 7 years in state prison
• 10 years of post-release supervision

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