Homeless man charged in rape, robbery of woman at Staten Island office

MARINERS HARBOR, Staten Island (WABC) -- A suspect has been arrested and charged in the rape and robbery of a woman on Staten Island.

Maurice Scott, 28, who is known to frequent various Staten Island neighborhoods, has nine prior arrests for assaults and robberies, but he does not have prior sexual assault arrests. He was in custody Tuesday.

The 44-year-old victim was working late Friday in a second-floor office at the building on Forest Avenue in the Mariner's Harbor section around 5:30 p.m. when she heard someone trying to enter the office.

Authorities said she opened the door and the suspect said to her, "I'm here looking for a job." He pushed his way in and threatened to kill her.

Police said the suspect threatened her life before raping her and robbing her. He then fled the scene.

The victim was treated at Richmond University Medical Center.