Three New York City postal workers allegedly dragged their unconscious coworker into the back of a mail truck where one of the brutes attempted to rape the incapacitated woman during a 2023 work party, according to a new indictment.
Daniel Jean, 38; Kirt Acala, 38; and Edward Chou, 40, have all been indicted on the alleged sexually motivated kidnapping of their colleague — with Jean additionally facing rape charges — which occurred during an after-work birthday party on June 8, 2023 in the East Village, according to the indictment filed in New York State Supreme Court Wednesday.
The alleged assault started inside the 14th Street post office where employees were celebrating a birthday and continued in the back of a mail truck, according to the indictment. Christopher SadowskiThe victim told police officers that she felt woozy and lost consciousness during the birthday celebration at the 14th Street post office where they all worked — just as the three depraved mailmen allegedly set upon her.
Unable to stand or fully hold her head up, the victim said she was molested by Jean inside the post office, then, with the help of Chou and Acala, she was dragged into the back of a mail truck, the indictment stated.
Once inside the truck, Jean allegedly attempted to rape the victim.
Cops were called to the scene and found Acala and Chou sitting in the cab of the truck. The pair was initially unwilling to open the back door — until cops heard banging and cries for help coming from the back of the vehicle.
Jean then emerged from the back of the mail truck with his pants unzipped, authorities alleged in the indictment.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said his office takes “investigations and prosecutions of sexual violence extremely seriously.” Steven Hirsch
The victim was unable to stand up and was then molested by Daniel Jean. Steven Hirsch
With the help of Edward Chou, 40, and Kirt Acala, 38, she was then dragged into the back of a mail truck. Steven Hirsch
Cops were later called to the scene and found Chou and Acala sitting in the truck with the pair unwilling to cooperate and open the back door of the truck before officers heard banging noises and cries for help from the back of the vehicle. Steven HirschThe victim was found by police in the mail truck with her pants undone as well.
All three men face charges of kidnapping in the second degree and sexually motivated kidnapping.
Jean faces additional charges of attempted rape in the first degree, sexual abuse in the first degree, attempted sexual abuse in the first degree, and forcible touching.
“We take investigations and prosecutions of sexual violence extremely seriously and have the survivor-centered services and resources to help those who have been sexually assaulted,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement.
If you have been sexually assaulted and live in New York, you can call 1-800-942-6906 for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the state, you can dial the 24/7 National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
