Transgender Girlfriend Of UES Sexual Assault Suspect Is Victim Of Love

The transgender girlfriend of the man who is accused of sexually assaulting an elderly woman on the Upper East Side last week wrote an email expressing her condolences to the victim of the assault today. And she wanted to make sure the 85-year-old victim knew she too was a victim: "I as well am a victim. A victim of falling in love."

Tahttiana Fermin was very apologetic in the email on behalf of her boyfriend Jeffery Ritter, who has been charged with criminal sexual acts, robbery and sexual abuse. Even if the message is not completely incriminating, it certainly doesn't shed Ritter in a very positive light: "My heart goes out to the victim and her family. All I can say is that we as human beings get to pick the friends we like to hang out with and the man we want to live the rest of our lives with. Unfortunately we can't pick the choices they make in life."

According to police, the heavily tattooed Ritter forced the 100 pound woman to perform oral sex on him before stealing a ring and fleeing early Monday morning. Yesterday, Ritter's brother didn't sound too sympathetic to his brother's current predicament: "I tried to help you and you chose the wrong path. It hurts me to see you locked up. But from me to you, heart to heart, you have issues and you need help."

Nevertheless, Fermin said she would support her man: "I love you and hope that you as well can move forward." She also included a message to anyone who was trying to pry into her personal life: "I am not a drug user or abuser, I walk with class, a good head on my shoulders, and feet full flat on the ground moving forward. No one can defeat me but me."

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

By Ben Yakas in News on June 4, 2011 2:20 PM

Comments [rss]

ed_Extinct

Unless this guy is in solitary confinement, it'll be a miracle if he makes out of Rikers alive.

robingee

I don't buy that.

The2ndComing

Hahahaaa!!

Remember this? :
"If kids start thinking its ok to be gay then they'll think its ok to be pedophiles and have sex with animals" ... (and rape 85 year old women apparently).

Example of proof. You're sick enough to do one, you're sick enough to do the other.. THANKS GOTHAMIST!
People, keep homosexuals far and away from your children. Fuck the popular opinion, let them know the TRUTH

Harmony Samira

You, The2ndComing, are a dumbass.

robingee

POST YR PIC!

Guest

agreed -- one person is enough to judge the rest!

Mordicai

How is the gender status of the girlfriend applicable to this story? Just an excuse to stir up some transphobia?

Dead Himmler

It's always relevant when evaluating character and credibility.

robingee

Nah.

RabbiLaFunque

"it certainly doesn't shed Ritter in a very positive light" Umm, i think the whole raping and robbing an 85 year old woman kinda cemented out perception of him.

Mordicai

Yeah, that put his character in...a pretty poor light.

chlyn

We can't have a crime now without the criminal's familiars chiming in to get their 15 minutes of fame. Disgusting. STFU.

angry_pickle

Hello? How is it her fault that the media interviewed her? How the heck could she "chime" in? Does she own the NY Post or is she a news anchor at NBC?

chlyn

Can you not read? There was no interview. She sent an e-mail of condolence to the victim's family.

RabbiLaFunque

I seriously doubt that the media held a gun to the ho's head and forced her to be interviewed.

angry_pickle

My point was the media wanted to know so they asked. And she answered and they reported it. She didn't barge her way into the TV station to give her remarks.

The2ndComing

I'm sure you meant to say "HE" didn't barge "HIS" way into the TV station to give "HIS" remarks

schmeep

I'm sure that angry pickle was respectful to the guidelines of transgendered people, and used the proper pronouns in the way SHE'd like to be identified, why?