BK Man Sentenced For Prospect Park Sex Assaults

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — A 28-year-old man was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting two women in Prospect Park back in 2019 and 2021, prosecutors announced Thursday.

Carlis Clarke, 28, of Crown Heights targeted the women as they walked through the park in separate afternoon attacks.

He was sentenced by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Christopher Robles after being convicted of one count of predatory sexual assault, two counts of first-degree criminal sexual act and one count of second-degree assault.

In March 2019, at around 4:30 p.m., a 25-year-old woman was walking through the park when Clarke walked up to her, grabbed her by the hair, dragged her into the woods and then sexually assaulted her, prosecutors said.

The 25-year-old woman was able to escape after Clarke heard a noise and became distracted.

“I commend the victims in this case for the incredible courage and grace they showed by coming to court and testifying against the defendant," District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said.

In another incident — in February 2021 at around 3:30 p.m. — a 33-year-old woman was walking through the park when Clarke, wearing a ski mask, grabbed the woman by the hair, pulled her into the woods and sexually assaulted her, prosecutors said.

The woman fought off Clarke and screamed, altering a passerby who came to her aid and chased Clarke into the Ebbets Field Houses after calling 911.

"He has now been brought to justice and with today’s lengthy sentence it is ensured that he will not be able to attack any other innocent, vulnerable women," Gonzalez added.