"A Georgia man's DNA collected from a discarded cup linked him to the violent rapes of at least five women in New York City between 1995 and 1997, authorities said. A 17-count indictment charges Michael Benjamin, 57, of Conyers, with multiple counts of rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, burglary and robbery, according to the Queen's District Attorney's Office in New York. Conyers is about a 25-mile drive southeast from Atlanta. Benjamin's defense attorney did not immediately return McClatchy News' request for comment Oct. 19. He is represented by Joseph Amsel, who told WSB-TV that Benjamin "vigorously, vehemently, and vociferously denied these allegations."
"The next month, in September 1996, prosecutors said Benjamin ambushed a woman as she arrived at her front door and forced her inside her home at gunpoint. He "threatened to kill her husband and child - who were home - if she did not comply with his demands," prosecutors said. Benjamin raped the woman, stole cash from her and then left, according to the district attorney's office."
Michael Benjamin, 57, of Conyers, faces a 17-count indictment including rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, burglary and robbery for attacks in Queens between 1995 and 1997. DNA collected from a discarded cup linked him to at least five violent rapes. The attacks occurred in Jamaica, St. Albans, Laurelton and Brookville and involved home invasions, bindings, and threats, with some victims ambushed at their front doors and others assaulted at gunpoint. Prosecutors allege he stole cash and jewelry during several incidents. Benjamin's attorney said he "vigorously, vehemently, and vociferously denied these allegations."
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