Brooklyn, NY – A Brooklyn man has received a prison sentence of 17 years to life following a brutal sexual assault on a 62-year-old woman in Stuyvesant Heights, authorities reported. The sentencing caps a case that has drawn attention due to the violent nature of the attack against a senior citizen early in the morning as she was heading to work.
The assailant, identified as Leroy Hatcher, 44, attacked the victim by forcefully pulling her into an alley, threatening her with a knife, and assaulting her. This incident occurred near 482 Kosciuszko St. around 5:45 a.m. on February 6, 2021. Following the attack, Hatcher fled the scene, leaving the victim severely traumatized.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez described the assault as a “horrific and violent attack on an innocent woman that shocks the conscience.” He expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of the severe sentencing to uphold justice and deter such violent crimes.
Hatcher was later arrested on February 24, 2021, thanks to pivotal evidence gathered from surveillance videos from multiple locations and DNA analysis from a condom found at the scene, which contained DNA from both Hatcher and the victim. Detection and identification were further assisted by a detective and Hatcher’s parole officer, enabling his capture.
He pleaded guilty on May 30, 2024, to charges of first-degree attempted criminal sexual act and first-degree sexual abuse before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun who handed down the sentence.
The case was handled by Senior Assistant District Attorney Gwen Barnes and Assistant District Attorney Sherri Litvak of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief. The DA’s office reiterated its commitment to aggressively pursuing justice for victims of sexual violence and enhancing the safety and security of the Brooklyn community.
The prosecution has highlighted the disturbing trend of assaults targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly senior citizens, in urban settings. This case serves both as a reminder of the risks present in seemingly safe neighborhoods and a testament to the effectiveness of diligent forensic and detective work in solving crimes.
As the case concludes, the community and local authorities are calling for increased vigilance and preventive measures to protect residents, especially during early morning hours and in less frequented areas. Community leaders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement, community watch programs, and residents to sustain safety and prevent future incidents.
The sentencing has sparked discussions on social media and within the community about the need for more comprehensive programs to aid the rehabilitation of ex-offenders and prevent recidivism, focusing on mental health and integration into society.
Gonzalez, reflecting on the broader implications of such crimes, expressed hope that this sentence would send a clear message about the severity with which the legal system treats cases of sexual violence, thereby strengthening community trust in the justice process.