Potential Release of Notorious Predator
One of New York City’s most notorious sex offenders might be released from prison soon, according to sources. No exact date has been set, but former fashion magazine writer Peter Brownstein is slated for a hearing with the state’s parole board the week of August 18th.
The 61-year-old Brownstein was convicted of sexually assaulting a colleague, an ordeal that started with him setting fire outside her Chelsea apartment on Halloween night in 2005. Under the pretense of being a firefighter, he gained access to her home.
For over 13 hours, he chloroformed a 36-year-old woman, assaulted her, and left behind a chilling note on her mirror. Her identity remains confidential.
At the time, Brownstein had been on probation for threatening his ex-girlfriend, the late fashion editor Jane Larkworthy. He even filmed the horrific act.
Following a brutal rape, he became one of the FBI’s most wanted individuals, prompting a national manhunt that traced his movements from New York to Ohio. Just two months later, he was spotted at the University of Memphis.
He reportedly confronted police there, saying, “I’m the guy you’re looking for,” before attempting to harm himself with a knife.
Before a highly publicized trial, Brownstein was held at Rikers Island. Prosecutors argued that he intentionally harmed himself to stall proceedings. His lawyers contended he was suffering from depression and had attempted suicide, both of which he later denied.
During the 2007 trial, Larkworthy testified about Brownstein’s charm and intelligence, complicating the narrative around his character. Ultimately, he was found guilty of multiple charges, including sexual abuse and robbery, and sentenced to 18 years in prison. The judge criticized him for his blatant disregard for the victim.
Following his sentencing, comments from his late mother revealed concerns for his well-being in prison. Brownstein himself expressed relief at being incarcerated, admitting to having violent fantasies.
In 2013, he made headlines again when prison officials found that he had obtained books related to sexual assault victims, prompting a ban on similar materials.
Currently held at Wende Correctional Facility, Brownstein’s upcoming release has sparked intense scrutiny. Critics argue that the New York parole board has been lenient toward violent offenders.
Victims’ rights advocates are firmly against his release. Jane Manning, a former prosecutor and director of a women’s equality group, emphasized the malicious nature of his crime and expressed that he should remain imprisoned indefinitely.
