Man Sentenced for Attempted Rape in Central Park
A man was sentenced to 13 years in prison after attempting to sexually assault a woman who was sunbathing in Central Park. The victim, reflecting on the incident, expressed how the assault shattered her previously cherished connection to the city.
Jermaine Longmire, 45, faced the judge after the attack, which took place in June 2024. He tackled the 21-year-old victim, pinning her down, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
In her statement to the court, the victim shared how the attack altered her life irreversibly. She urged the judge to impose the maximum penalty, stating, “My body was in a constant state of fight or flight.” She lamented how her love for urban life turned into anxiety and fear.
The woman described mundane activities like walking in the neighborhood or taking the subway as daunting challenges now.
On the day of the attack, which occurred in the Great Hills area, Longmire stalked the victim and exposed himself before assaulting her. When she screamed for help and tried to escape, he grabbed her from behind. Remarkably, she fought back and managed to fend him off, causing him to flee.
Although she chose to avoid detailing the attack itself in her court testimony, the aftermath weighed heavily on her. She moved locations, left her job at a coffee shop, and sought help from two therapists while gradually working on small, achievable goals like walking around the block alone. Yet, even the sounds of sirens at night disrupted her sleep.
Ultimately, she persevered, completing her education and finding a new job while managing the effects of PTSD.
Longmire has a troubling history, with previous convictions in both New York and Florida, including a prior attempt to sexually assault a woman in a medical facility in 2018.
The sentence of 13 years in prison, followed by 15 years of post-release supervision, was welcomed by prosecutors. District Attorney Alvin Bragg emphasized the importance of public safety in parks for both residents and visitors alike. He also acknowledged the bravery of the survivor, hoping that this sentence would offer her some sense of closure as she continues her healing process.
