Huntington Incident Involving Immigrant Alleged Rape

A Salvadoran immigrant has been accused of forcing a 16-year-old girl into an alley and raping her, then stalking her even after she escaped, according to authorities on Tuesday.

Police reports indicate that Antonio Melendez Reyes, 59, approached the girl while she was unwell and asked for her phone number on June 6 in Huntington. Without warning, he seized her and dragged her into a nearby alley, pressing his body against hers. The girl managed to flee, partially undressed, and called for help. However, by the time officers arrived, Reyes was still at the scene, reportedly searching for her, officials added.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney expressed, “The allegations in this case are extremely disturbing.” He emphasized that “16-year-old girls should be able to walk safely without being targeted, chased, or brutally assaulted.” He assured the public that his office would relentlessly pursue anyone posing a significant threat to community safety, particularly children.

Reyes faces multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree rape, one count of first-degree sexual abuse, two counts of third-degree rape, and a count of endangering a child’s welfare.

As noted by the DA, the Department of Homeland Security has requested custody of Reyes in connection with these charges, although details about whether he entered the U.S. legally or when he arrived remain unclear.

Reyes pleaded not guilty during a court appearance on June 16, where his bail was set at $500,000 by Judge Karen Wiltis. His next court date is scheduled for July 21, 2026, and he could face up to 25 years in prison if found guilty of the most serious charge.

ICE has not yet responded to inquiries regarding this case.