Update: Accused Rapist Pleads Guilty to Valley Stream Attacks

Originally published Dec. 19 at 03:54 PM

A Queens teenager has pleaded guilty to two Valley Stream sexual assaults.

Nashane Peterkin, of Springfield Gardens, pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree rape, first-degree criminal sexual act, two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, two counts of second-degree strangulation, and two counts of second-degree assault, according to the Nassau County District Attorney.

Nassau Judge Angelo Delligatti committed to a sentence of 20 years in prison followed by 20 years of post-release supervision, said the DA's office.

Peterkin, then 16 years old, was arrested in Howard Beach in September for trying to assault a woman, then seven months pregnant, on Mill Road in Valley Stream. The 30-year-old victim said Peterkin shoved her to the ground, punched her in the face, and tried to rip her shirt off, according to police. The incident happened in late-August.

Peterkin was also charged with attacking and raping a woman in her sixties as she walked alone on a hiking trail in Valley Stream in early September. She reportedly suffered broken ribs, bruises on her face, and was choked, said Newsday.

DNA and witness IDs led to Peterkin's arrest, police said.

Top detectives called Peterkin a "very dangerous young man" and a "serial sexual predator" for the nature of the attacks.

"We have not had a this type of situation [in Nassau County] in quite some time where the victims are randomly selected...It was very concerning," said Nassau Police Chief of Department Steven Skrynecki in a press conference in September following Peterkin's arrest. Click here to watch video of the Skrynecki's statements.

"Nashane Peterkin committed very serious violent crimes that will be with his victims forever and terrified the community, and he will now face the very serious consequences for them," commented DA Kathleen Rice. "His victims and their neighbors can sleep more soundly knowing that this threat to the community will be behind bars for a very long time."

Peterkin is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 3.