EX-Con Arraigned on Attempted Rape Charge

By LA QUINTA CLARK

An ex-con was arraigned Thursday on charges of attempted rape and robbery of a woman on the Upper East Side five weeks ago.

“Have a nice day,” Gregory Anderson allegedly told the victim after the incident during which he is accused of coming up behind her, fondling her, dragging her to the ground and demanding money.

A Manhattan assistant DA described in graphic detail the the government’s version of the events:

“He unzipped her sweater, put his hands underneath her sports bra; he put his hand down the back of her pants and squeezed her butt.”

The attack allegedly occurred in the early morning as the woman, a stranger to the defendant, was walking to work.

After she was released the victim ran into a nearby store , asked someone to call the police and hid. Then, the prosecutor added, the defendant chased the witness into the store asking if anyone had seen his wife.”

Anderson sat at the defendant’s table, handcuffed and with head bowed, as he entered a not guilty plea.

“He has the support of his family and friends who are sitting in the courtroom and have been sitting there all day,” said the defense lawyer, “He should also receive a lesser bail.”

The bail – set at $75,000 – was not lowered.

The next court appearance was scheduled for May 12 and the prosecutors requested that Anderson be sentenced to seven years and placed on the Sex Offender Registry, prompting family members to yell out.

“I’m sorry, hold your head up,” yelled his mother.

“I love you Gregory,” said his girlfriend.

The family sobbed as Anderson was led out of the courtroom, head till bowed.