Photo Courtesy of Google
The incident occurred this summer in a home on 144th Place in Jamaica.
By Forum Staff
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Wednesday that an East Elmhurst man has been indicted by a grand jury on charges stemming from an armed home invasion in July in Jamaica.
Michael Rispers, 36, was arraigned Tuesday on a 13-count indictment charging him with two counts of burglary in the first degree, two counts of robbery in the first degree, attempted rape in the first degree, assault in the second degree, strangulation in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, attempted sexual abuse in the first degree, grand larceny in the fourth degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree and two counts of menacing in the second degree.
According to the charges, on July 25, at approximately 8:20 am, Rispers, a convicted sex offender, allegedly unlawfully entered a home on 144th Place in Jamaica, walked into the bedroom of a 58-year-old female resident, and proceeded to punch and strangle her while demanding money. The criminal complaint stipulates that the defendant brandished a sharp metal object and, during the struggle that ensued, inflicted lacerations to the victim’s arms.
Photo Courtesy of Homefacts.com
Michael Rispers
Rispers then allegedly threw the woman down, unzipped his pants, and attempted to forcibly remove items of her clothing.
Katz said a male family member heard the victim’s screams and kicked in the door, interrupting the attack. Court records show that the defendant threatened the man with a sharp metal object and demanded money. Rispers then allegedly proceeded to grab a wallet from the bedroom of a third family member before fleeing.
The defendant was apprehended by police near the home shortly after the incident. A wallet containing the third victim’s identification, cash and credit cards was recovered from Rispers at the time of arrest.
There is no indication that the defendant knew any of the victims prior to the attack.
“The reign of terror allegedly perpetrated by this defendant will not go unanswered. We fully expect to be safe in our own homes. That sense of security was violated for the three occupants of the home allegedly assaulted by the defendant, who faces a lengthy prison term if convicted.”
If convicted, Rispers faces up to 25 years in prison.
