More Women Accuse Riverside Rape Suspect Of Assault

Hugues-Denver Akassy's mugshot

After the Manhattan DA's office asked if anyone had information about a man accused of raping a woman in Riverside Park, at least 10 more women have come forward. This is an addition to three other incidents of allegedly trespassing and harassing women. A source tells the Daily News, "Women are calling every day, saying he stalked or harassed or in several other cases, attacked them. This was his real profession - harassing women." In fact, a Gothamist reader thanked us for posting the Manhattan DA's office contact information, because she said she had a scary run-in with Akassy, too.

"Multiple cases" were presented during a grand jury hearing, though the Post says it's unclear whether one of them was the assistant DA who was reportedly one of Akassy's alleged victims. Akassy's lawyer said that his client, who claims he is a TV reporter (but he's now apparently homeless—he was caught sleeping outside one woman's window), will testify on Monday and Akassy will say that the encounters were all consensual.

During the hearing, a prosecutor detailed the events leading up to, during, and after the allegd Riverside Park rape—"The defendant said that he wanted to show the victim a view of the trains nearby by the Westside Highway" but instead he allegedly attacked the woman—while Akassy' lawyer said, "These people were out on a date, and then this woman had a change of heart."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on August 6, 2010 5:50 PM

Comments [rss]

seven

"Akassy' lawyer said, 'These people were out on a date, and then this woman had a change of heart.'

Um, you go on a date with a woman, you make out, she says stop and you ignore her and force her to have sex with you...there's a word for that. It's rape.

John L

This guy's game is impeccable! To get all these woman and professional women to go out with him after picking them up at the Apple Store or the Time Warner Building is really remarkable. I wonder what is pick up line is.

His only problem was he was impatient and couldn't wait till the second or third date to score but if he would've just waited he could've bedded them all, legally. Are women really that lonely in this city that they would give this guy the time of day? Can't be, it has to be his swagger because I know guys that spend hundreds at bars and clubs and don't get a quarter of the women this guys gets.

inoyourider

Surprise!

John L defending another scumbag.

Bigger surprise?

He's black!

Oh shit, if only game shows were this easy.

Jamie McDonald

Eh, I don't think it's race-based - John L is an equal-opportunity cretin.

Amanda Harletsch

yeah those whores!

Loser!

lexicondevil

so, I don't quite understand. Does this guy really have a TV show or is the whole website a scam to convince women to walk to secluded places with him? Or did he used to have a show and is now homeless (probably because he's crazy)?

jaycjay

A Google search for "orbite tv" returns only the orbitetv website and articles related to these alleged attacks. No past mention of any stories or broadcasts on any other site that I can find. And, his is the only name I find mentioned on the website of the supposed TV show -- that is, no producer or other staff credits. There are some articles, written by him, about various celebrities and political leaders (including President Obama), and at a glance a visitor might assume that they appeared on the show. But no, they're just articles drawing from other sources.