Michael Chabon’s son, Abraham, who is 22, will not be facing rape charges in his sexual assault case, according to a Manhattan prosecutor. However, he still has a strangulation charge pending, as confirmed in court on Monday.
Assistant District Attorney Phoebe Rosenfeld stated that they could not prove the first-degree rape charge “beyond a reasonable doubt.” So, they’ve decided to drop it.
While expressing appreciation for the victim, the prosecutors made this decision in front of Manhattan Crown Court Judge Casey Larry, citing limitations imposed by New York law.
Currently, Abraham Chabon remains charged with strangulation and could also face additional accusations, including third-degree assault.
His attorney, Isabel Kirschner, shared outside the courtroom that Abraham was relieved to see the rape count dismissed, noting it “cannot last.” She added, “We are grateful that the DA’s office has carefully scrutinized the evidence in this matter and chose to dismiss the charges that cannot be maintained. We hope the process continues and resolves the problems properly.”
Chabon, who is a student at NYU, was initially charged with first-degree rape and second-degree strangulation following an incident on January 25, 2024. Prosecutors claimed he assaulted the victim by grabbing her neck, restricting her breathing, and carrying her to a bed where he is alleged to have raped her while also striking her in the face multiple times.
He is the son of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon, known for works like “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay,” which won the Pulitzer in 2001, as well as books such as “Wonder Boys,” “The Mysteries of Pittsburgh,” and “Telegraph Avenue.”
Abraham was released on a $45,000 bail after his arrest on June 13. If convicted of the strangulation charge, he faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, with a maximum sentence of up to seven years.
He is due back in court on November 20.
