Two Convicted Of Drugging, Raping Of Passaic Strip Club Dancer

PASSAIC, NJ – A man and a woman were found guilty of repeatedly sexually assaulting one of the dancers at a Passaic strip club back in 2012, according to authorities.

Following an eight-week trial in Passaic County Superior Court, a jury found Trystal Lozada, 27, formerly of the Bronx, NY, and Michael Ramirez, 38, formerly of Passaic, guilty on Friday in connection with a Nov. 5, 2012 sexual assault inside Mr. B’s Gentleman’s Club, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office said.

According to authorities, after the club closed for the night, the victim, a former dancer, was drugged by one of the managers, rendering her “mentally incapacitated and physically helpless.”

After that, authorities said she was “repeatedly sexually assaulted” by Lozada, Ramirez and “others inside of the establishment.” Portions of the sexual assault were recorded by one of the participants, authorities also said.

The following day, the victim reported it to Passaic Police and she was taken to a hospital for examination, the prosecutor's office said.

Lozada and Ramirez both found guilty of three counts each of aggravated sexual assault, a first-degree crime that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, 85% of which must be served without parole eligibility, according to the prosecutor's office.

They were also convicted of two counts each of sexual assault, a second-degree crime, two counts each of third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact, and two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. Ramirez was also convicted of conspiracy to commit aggravated sexual assault, a second-degree crime, the prosecutor's office said.

Upon their release, both will be subject to community notification provisions of Megan’s Law and parole supervision for life

Miguel Delacruz, a co-defendant, previously pleaded guilty of aggravated sexual assault and was sentenced on February 2018 to 12 years in state prison. Ashley Maldonado also pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 28, 2020, according to the prosecutor's office.

A third co-defendant, Luis Guzman, is scheduled for trial on Jan. 27, 2020, authorities said.