Brooklyn, New York – A Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 17 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting a 62-year-old woman in Stuyvesant Heights while she was on her way to work. Leroy Hatcher, 44, of Stuyvesant Heights, pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted criminal sexual act and first-degree sexual abuse.
District Attorney Eric Gonzalez expressed his shock at the violent attack, stating that the crime’s depravity warranted the lengthy prison sentence. He emphasized the importance of seeking justice for all victims of sexual violence to continue making Brooklyn a safer place for everyone.
The assault occurred on February 6, 2021, at around 5:45 a.m. near 482 Kosciuszko St. Surveillance footage from multiple locations, along with identification by a detective and Hatcher’s parole officer, helped lead to his apprehension on February 24, 2021. DNA evidence from a condom found at the scene linked both Hatcher and the victim to the assault.
Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun presided over the sentencing, highlighting the severity of the crime against the innocent woman. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Gwen Barnes and Assistant District Attorney Sherri Litvak of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief.
The victim’s traumatic experience serves as a reminder of the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and providing support to survivors of sexual violence. The sentencing of Hatcher reflects the commitment of law enforcement and prosecutors to seek justice and ensure the safety of the community. This case underscores the ongoing efforts to address and prevent sexual violence in Brooklyn.