WHITE PLAINS - Jose Arroyo, of 1500 Hone Avenue, Bronx, New York was sentenced to fifteen years in state prison on his conviction after a jury trial of, one count of rape in the first degree, one count of facilitating a sex offense with a controlled substance, one count of assault in the second degree, all violent felonies.  The charges relate to the rape of a 31 year old female victim.

The defendant was acquitted of kidnapping charges relating to the rapes.

On November 14th, 2008, Arroyo, 48, met and chatted up the victim at Doyle's Pub, a neighborhood bar on East Tremont Avenue, in the Bronx where he placed a controlled substance into a drink, Zolpidem, commonly known as Ambien, then handed her the drink, which she consumed.

The drug that he put in her drink caused her to become unconscious, at which time he removed her from the bar and took her to the Alexander Motel, on Tarrytown Road, in Greenburgh.

Once in the motel room, the defendant sexually assaulted the victim, when she was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless due to the effects of the Ambien. 

Upon waking up the next morning, the victim contacted the Greenburgh police who commenced an investigation and subsequently arrested the defendant once the toxicology report confirmed the presence of Ambien.

“As this case illustrates, one should always try to be as alert and aware as possible when in unfamiliar surroundings, especially locations like bars and nightclubs, District Attorney Janet DiFiore said after the sentencing. “Simple rules like not leaving your drink unattended, especially when talking, dancing, or using the restroom, can make all the difference in not becoming a victim of a sexual assault or any crime.”

Second Deputy District Attorney Patricia Murphy and Assistant District Attorney Christine Cervasio, of the Sex Crimes Bureau, prosecuted the case.