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According to police, Nicol Suarez, a 30-year-old transgender woman originally from Colombia, allegedly followed the teenager into the store's restroom before sexually assaulting him. The boy was able to escape and immediately sought help, flagging down nearby witnesses who then alerted law enforcement.
Authorities apprehended Suarez the next day in the vicinity and charged her with first-degree assault. At her arrest, Suarez was already wanted in New Jersey and Massachusetts. Additionally, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had issued a detainer for her, requesting that she be held in custody for potential federal immigration action.
Despite prosecutors' initial requests to set bail at $500,000 or a bond at $1.5 million, Judge Elizabeth Shamahs reduced it to $100,000 or a $250,000 bond, as reflected in court records. Suarez is currently being held at Rikers Island.
The case has reignited debates surrounding New York City's sanctuary city policies, with some calling for stronger cooperation with federal immigration authorities to prevent similar incidents.
Community members reacted with shock and outrage. Azid Haime, a local deli owner, expressed his distress upon learning of the attack, stating, "That poor boy's life is ruined. I feel sick just thinking about it."
Lindsay Gonzalez, a mother from the neighborhood, also voiced her concern, saying, "That child is going to be traumatized forever. We need to focus on protecting victims."
Sad. He needs to never get out of jail.,disgusting
Outrageous
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