Man Arrested in Georgia for 1990s Queens Rapes After DNA Cold Case Breakthrough

Cold Case Arrest

• 💡 A 57-year-old man, Michael Benjamin, has been arrested in Georgia in connection with a cold case dating back over 30 years.
• 🎯 Benjamin is accused of raping five women in Queens between 1995 and 1997.
• 🔍 Investigators were able to solve the case after DNA from a discarded cup used by Benjamin was retested using new technology in May 2024, matching DNA from the victims' rape kits.

Alleged Modus Operandi

• ⚠️ Police stated the suspect typically entered homes early in the morning through a window, covered the victim's face, and held an object to her throat.
• 💰 In addition to rape, Benjamin is also accused of robbing his victims.
• 📍 The assaults were reported in the Queens neighborhoods of Springfield Gardens, Laurel, and Rosedale.

Past Offenses and Legal Proceedings

• ⚖️ Benjamin has been charged with rape, sodomy, sexual assault, and burglary.
• 🚨 Prosecutors noted that some alleged assaults are outside the statute of limitations, including the rape of a 12-year-old over a 10-month period in 1990, for which he pleaded guilty to attempted rape and received probation.
• 📈 He is classified as a level three sex offender, the highest risk repeat offender.
• 🗣️ Benjamin's defense attorney stated that his client vehemently denies the allegations and believes many charges are outside the statute of limitations.
• ⏳ Benjamin is facing up to 25 years in prison if convicted and is being held without bail.
• 🗓️ He is due back in court on December 5th.