HELL’S KITCHEN — A man with pot in his pocket was arrested for groping a teenage girl as she exited an elevator inside the Midtown Community Court building, the NYPD said.
The 16-year-old victim, from Brooklyn, was leaving an elevator inside the court building at 314 W. 54th St., between Eighth and Ninth avenues, around 10:05 a.m. on Aug. 8 when Omar Melendez, 42, groped her from behind, a complaint filed with the Manhattan District Attorney’s office said.
The girl, who didn't know Melendez, screamed and later told a police officer, the complaint said.
Upon searching Melendez, an officer found a clear plastic bag filled with marijuana in his front pants pocket, the DA’s office said.
He was arrested and charged with forcible touching, sexual abuse and possession of marijuana, the complaint said.
Melendez pleaded guilty to forcible touching on Aug. 12 and received a 90-day jail sentence, the DA’s office said.
He is currently being held at the Eric M. Taylor Center, city Department of Correction records show.
An attorney for Melendez did not respond to a request for comment.
