A Salvadoran migrant repeatedly asked a 16-year-old girl for her phone number as she walked home in Huntington before allegedly grabbing her and raping her in a nearby alley, then stalking the area as she fled partially unclothed to call police, authorities said.
Background
The alleged attack occurred on June 6 when Antonio Melendez Reyes, 59, approached the teenager as she was walking home in Suffolk County, according to police. Prosecutors said Reyes persistently asked for her phone number before suddenly grabbing her and forcing her into an alley where he allegedly sexually assaulted her.
The victim managed to escape and frantically called authorities while still partially unclothed, officials said. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Melendez Reyes still in the area, searching for his escaped victim, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office.
The Charges
Melendez Reyes was indicted Tuesday on multiple charges including two counts of first-degree rape, one count of first-degree sexual abuse, two counts of third-degree rape, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. He pleaded not guilty to all charges during his June 16 court appearance.
Suffolk County Judge Karen Wilutis set bail at $500,000. The Department of Homeland Security has lodged a detainer request seeking custody of Melendez Reyes following prosecution, though it remains unclear whether he entered the United States legally or when he first arrived in the country.
"A 16-year-old girl should be able to walk safely without being targeted, pursued, and brutally assaulted," said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. "The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing."
Tierney added that his office would "continue to vigorously prosecute defendants who pose serious threats to our community's safety, especially our children."
Key Takeaways
- Antonio Melendez Reyes, 59, allegedly attacked the girl on June 6 as she walked home in Huntington
- He had reportedly asked for her phone number multiple times before grabbing her and forcing her into an alley
- The victim escaped partially unclothed and called police; officers found Melendez Reyes still searching for her nearby
- He faces two first-degree rape charges among six total counts and is held on $500,000 bail
What's Next
Melendez Reyes is scheduled to return to court on July 21, 2026. If convicted on the top charge of first-degree rape, he faces up to 25 years in prison. ICE had not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding his immigration status.