The 16-year-old pizza delivery boy accused of raping an Upper West Side woman in September pleaded not guilty in Mahattan Criminal Court on Thursday.
Cesar Lucas, of the Bronx, told prosecutors in September he attacked the 34-year-old woman because he was "feeling horny," according to a criminal complaint.
"Women should not have to sleep with one eye open for fear of intruders," said Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance in a statement.
Lucas pleaded not guilty to rape and burglary.
"The defendant is not only charged with committing a rape, but with doing so in the presence of the victim's child. I commend the victim for her tremendous courage in coming forward."
In the early morning of Sept. 29 Lucas allegedly tried various doors at the West 61st St. building after delivering pizza to a resident there. Finding the victim's door unlocked, he allegedly entered the apartment and raped the woman while her 7-year-old daughter slept next to her.
The teen's scheduled court appearance is Jan. 22
LI braces for $137M pension cost spike ... Nassau water lines need replacement because of lead ... 3 LI school districts among top 10 in U.S. ... Tracking more rain
LI braces for $137M pension cost spike ... Nassau water lines need replacement because of lead ... 3 LI school districts among top 10 in U.S. ... Tracking more rain
