NEW YORK (1010 WINS/ WCBS 880) – A New York City apartment superintendent was charged on Tuesday after he allegedly raped, sexually abused and assaulted an undocumented immigrant from Paraguay who cleaned apartments, according to prosecutors.
Jose Espinoza, 62, superintendent at a building in the Flatiron District, allegedly used threats to prevent the survivor from leaving for more than six years, according to the indictment.
In August 2017, Espinoza allegedly offered the survivor money in exchange for sex if she agreed to clean apartments in the buildings he was superintendent in, according to documents.
Then in 2018, Espinoza allegedly started to assault and beat the survivor while demanding she send him photos to confirm her location at times in an attempt to gain control over her, according to the document.
Espinoza allegedly tried to gain more control over the survivor through coercion, including ripping her passports.
The survivor also had a special needs child with her. Espinoza allegedly demanded naked photos of the survivor’s daughter and threatened to share it if the survivor ever disobeyed him, according to court documents.
In one instance, Espinoza allegedly forced the survivor to have sex with him in front of her child.
In 2022, the survivor had to disclose her abuse to a social worker after being diagnosed with breast cancer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Hospital. With each hospital visit over several months, the survivor started to bring articles of clothing.
When she felt safe in December 2023, she alerted the NYPD who arrested him.
An investigation by the NYPD found that Espinoza had a camera focused on a piggy bank where he put the survivor’s money. They also found that he was keeping track of her using the “Find My Friends” app on his phone.
“These alleged acts are absolutely horrendous, and I cannot imagine the physical, emotional and mental trauma this survivor continues to experience,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. said. “It took extraordinary strength and courage for her to come forward and our team of specially trained prosecutors, investigators and social workers will support her with every resource we have available.”
Espinoza is being charged with rape, criminal sexual acts, aggravated sexual abuse, labor trafficking, and assault.
“My Office is here to fully assist anyone who has been the survivor of sexual abuse and trafficking, and I urge anyone who has experienced this type of violence and abuse to call us at 212-335-3400,” Bragg said.