A Venezuelan man who is seeking asylum in the US has been accused of raping a woman in front of a 3-year-old child in a hotel room in upstate New York. The incident occurred last week, and officials have stated that the victim and the suspect knew each other. They were both staying in a hotel in Cheektowaga, along with 500 other migrants who had been recently bussed from New York City to Erie County.
The suspect, Jesus Guzman-Bermudez, has been arrested and charged with rape, unlawful imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child. The presence of the 3-year-old child in the hotel room during the alleged rape led to the additional charges. Erie County District Attorney John Flynn explained that a caseworker reported the incident, which prompted an investigation by the Cheektowaga Police.
It is still unclear what the exact relationship between the victim and Guzman-Bermudez is, although Flynn mentioned that they are “some type of couple,” but it is uncertain whether they are married. However, Flynn emphasized that this was not a random incident where the suspect targeted a stranger and took them back to the hotel room. They clearly knew each other.
The alleged rape took place last Wednesday in a hotel on Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, a suburb of Buffalo. Guzman-Bermudez is currently in custody without bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday for a felony hearing. The victim has been granted a temporary order of protection.
If Guzman-Bermudez is convicted of the highest charge, he could face up to 25 years in prison. The case highlights the importance of addressing instances of sexual assault and ensuring the safety and protection of victims. It also underscores the need for thorough investigations and justice for those who have experienced such traumatic incidents.