Series of Attacks in Brooklyn Draws Concerns
A disturbing series of incidents has surfaced in Brooklyn, where a man is accused of attempting to assault a 12-year-old girl just days after he had been released for similar offenses. Authorities reported that Justin Lee, 22, hailing from Queens, was let go under special conditions on September 28 after being arrested for attacking two teenagers aged 13 and 15 in separate incidents within a brief period.
Just under a week later, on October 4, around midday, Lee allegedly confronted the young girl in an elevator at his residence on West 29th Street near Mermaid Avenue in Coney Island. The criminal complaint details that he grabbed her arm, pulled her closer, and made inappropriate contact through her clothing. He then reportedly forced her against a wall and restricted her breathing by placing his arm against her throat.
After throwing the visibly shaken girl to the floor, Lee continued his attack, pushing her against the wall again and attempting to remove her pants, according to prosecutors.
Following his arrest the subsequent day, he faced numerous charges including robbery, attempted robbery, theft, and endangering the welfare of a child. During his arraignment in Brooklyn Criminal Court, he was ordered to remain in custody on a bail of $75,000 cash, or $150,000 in other forms.
This court appearance occurred shortly after he had been released following accusations related to two other teenage victims. Reports indicate that Lee approached the first victim in broad daylight while she was near Ocean Parkway. He allegedly followed her inside her building and then grabbed her by the neck before fleeing when she screamed.
In a separate incident the same day, he approached another girl, intimidating her by claiming the elevator was malfunctioning. Once the girl exited, he allegedly held her in a bear hug, prompting her to scream before he escaped. Lee’s release on his own recognizance in these earlier cases came about due to a legal technicality that prevented prosecutors from requesting bail based on the nature of the charges. These incidents occurred in public spaces, which, according to officials, did not meet the criteria for bail eligibility.
Lee reportedly has no previous arrest history. In light of these troubling events, the NYPD is now reaching out for information from any potential other victims. A photo of Lee has been released, and individuals with relevant information are encouraged to reach out to the NYPD’s Sexual Assault Hotline or the Crime Stoppers Hotline.
