Crown Heights man gets 15 years to life for attempting to rape 2 women in broad daylight inside Prospect Park

April 15, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. Photo by Mary Altaffer/AP

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Crown Heights resident Carlis Clarke, 28, was sentenced on Thursday to 15 years to life in prison for the sexual assault of two women in separate incidents in Prospect Park.

The sentence was handed down by Justice Christopher Robles of the Brooklyn Supreme Court following Clarke’s conviction on charges of predatory sexual assault, among others, on March 18.

“I commend the victims in this case for the incredible courage and grace they showed by coming to court and testifying against the defendant,” said District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “He has now been brought to justice, and with today’s lengthy sentence, it is ensured that he will not be able to attack any other innocent, vulnerable women.”

The first attack occurred on March 11, 2019, at approximately 4:30 p.m., when Clarke violently dragged a 25-year-old woman off a walking path and into the woods, where he sexually assaulted her. The assault was interrupted when a noise distracted Clarke, allowing the victim to escape.

In a second incident on Feb. 23, 2021, at approximately 3:30 P.M., Clarke, wearing a ski mask, attacked a 33-year-old woman. He pulled her into the woods and assaulted her but was interrupted by a passerby who heard her screams and intervened, causing Clarke to flee.

According to Gonzalez, Clarke’s capture followed quickly after the second incident, thanks to a 911 call from the passerby. Subsequent surveillance footage led to his arrest near the Ebbets Field Houses. DNA evidence from Clarke was matched to DNA collected from the scarf of the 2019 victim, solidifying his connection to both crimes.