CIVIC CENTER — A Bronx man was indicted Monday for the violent rape of a 61-year-old woman on the University Heights Bridge that connects Manhattan and the Bronx.
Randy Rivera, 28, admitted in detail to attacking the woman when he was arrested Jan. 30, according to court documents.
He said he had not originally intended to rob the woman Dec. 21 when he grabbed her from behind, pulled her hoodie over her eyes and dragged her to an alcove of the bridge.
"It was supposed to be a robbery strong arm but something took over me," Rivera said in a confession to the police. "I violated her. I forced myself on her sexually."
The defendant then punched her repeatedly on the head and body before raping her repeatedly, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's office. Rivera also stole $180 from the victim and then fled, they said.
The victim was taken to Harlem Hospital and submitted to a sexual assault examination kit. The Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that DNA from that kit matched Rivera's.
The defendant claimed the was living on the street at the time and that he committed the robbery out of desperation.
"I f****d up. I was in the street," Rivera told investigators. "I had no one doing anything for me."
On Monday, Rivera was arraigned on three criminal counts, including predatory sexual assault and robbery in the second degree sexually motivated.
Rivera was already registered as a sex offender due to a February 2011 conviction for sexual abuse.
He is being held on $250,000 bail or $500,000 bond.
Rivera's next scheduled court date is May 23.
