Providence Police arrest, charge serial rapist
“We believe that he targeted undocumented females so he could hold that over their heads, and threaten them with calling police,” Lapatin explained.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- Providence Police announced Tuesday the arrest of a ‘serial rapist’ accused of targeting undocumented women in the Providence area.
In a press briefing, Major David Lapatin said 55-year-old Juan Martinez, who also goes by the name Carlos, was arraigned today on multiple sexual assault charges.
Martinez, referred to as a “super predator” was charged with two counts of first-degree sexual assault and one count of second-degree sexual assault. Lapatin said Martinez targeted undocumented women in hopes they would not report the assaults. He said Martinez would lure victims into his Union Avenue residence after advertising for cleaning services.
“We believe that he targeted undocumented females so he could hold that over their heads, and threaten them with calling police,” Lapatin explained.
In 1999, Martinez was arrested for first-degree sexual assault and sentenced to serve 40 years. Martinez was released from prison in March of 2020, after serving 20 years.
It is unclear why he was released.
The department said they believe Martinez is responsible for at least five sexual assaults in the city.
The first assault allegedly happened in October of 2020 and the most recent in 2021.
The Providence Police Department said they are providing resources and support for victims in need.
Lapatin said there are still a lot of pieces to put together in the investigation. “We are far from done. A lot of work to do,” Lapatin told media.
Police ask anyone with information to contact them immediately.
