Crime Watch

Accused rapist faces additional charges

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Nashane Peterkin, the Queens man charged in connection with a pair of sexual assaults in Valley Stream in August and September, was back in court on Thursday to face additional charges.

Wearing blue pants and a blue hooded sweatshirt over a white polo shirt, Peterkin appeared before County Court Judge Angelo Delligatti on Oct. 3 where he was indicted on four charges of sexual abuse and assault. He pleaded not guilty.

Peterkin, 17, of Springfield Gardens, is accused of raping a 60-year-old woman in the Valley Stream State Park on Sept. 1, and sexually assaulting a 30-year-old woman on Mill Road on Aug. 12. He was arrested on Sept. 8 following an investigation by Nassau County Police, New York State Police and State Park Police and has remained in jail.

In total, Peterkin is facing eight charges including first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, second-degree strangulation, first-degree attempted sexual abuse, first-degree criminal sexual act and two counts of first-degree sexual abuse.

He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top charge.

The Nassau County District Attorney’s office requested that Peterkin be held in jail without a bail, a motion that was granted by Delligatti. He also issued two orders of protection for the victims. Peterkin’s attorney, Michael Dreischpoon, of Queens, did not comment following the arraignment.

Peterkin is due back in court on Oct. 29.