STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Jury selection is scheduled to begin Tuesday for a man charged two years ago with sexually abusing a female staffer at a local hospital.
Kevin Willis, 35, who was unhoused at the time, stands accused of first-degree attempted rape and first-degree sexual abuse in connection with the Feb. 21, 2024 incident at Richmond University Medical Center.
At the time of his arrest, Willis was ordered held without bail, while the court also called for a psychological exam. He has since been found fit to comprehend the charges he is facing. Court documents do not specify the nature of the mental health concerns.
The defendant’s attorney, Michael Cirigliano, declined to comment pending trial proceedings. Justice Lisa Grey is hearing the case in state Supreme Court, St. George.
Escalating sexual abuse: D.A.
Authorities alleged the defendant carried out a series of sexual misconduct against the staffer in the early morning hours of Feb. 21, 2024, culminating in an attempted rape.
At approximately 1:30 a.m., Willis placed his hands on the woman’s genitals over her pants without her consent, according to a criminal complaint. About two hours later, he allegedly touched the woman’s breasts over her clothes.
Then at one point, prosecutors said, he forcibly turned the woman around and bent her over, pulled down her pants and underwear and attempted to rape her.