A New York man, identified as Pablo Alexander De La Cruz, has been arrested on serious charges related to the sexual abuse of two women, whom he reportedly targeted through dating apps. The 33-year-old is alleged to have lured the victims from abroad with promises of romantic relationships before subjecting them to horrific abuse once they arrived in the United States.
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According to statements from the Westchester County District Attorney’s office, the incidents took place between March and June 2026. De La Cruz is accused of facilitating travel for both women, who are said to have originated from Eastern and Northern Europe respectively. Upon their arrival in New York, he brought them to his home in White Plains, where he is alleged to have committed multiple acts of sexual violence.
The case documents indicate that the first victim arrived in March. Prosecutors allege that De La Cruz began abusing her immediately, continuing to do so over the ensuing two months. During this period, he is further accused of secretly recording some of the assaults. Disturbingly, when the victim lost her passport, he purportedly refused to assist her, ultimately leading to her escape and subsequent report to law enforcement.
In June, the second victim reportedly experienced abuse almost immediately upon her arrival in the U.S. The day after she arrived, she was allegedly raped. Following this incident, she rejected his persistent sexual advances and was reportedly thrown out of his home, leaving her without shelter. It was only after this distressing experience that she reached out to the authorities.
De La Cruz faces an alarming array of charges, amounting to over two dozen allegations. These include five counts of forcible rape, unlawful imprisonment, and unlawful surveillance. Despite the serious nature of these charges, De La Cruz has entered a plea of not guilty. His upcoming court date is set for November, where he will face these accusations formally.
The case highlights a troubling trend of individuals misusing dating platforms as tools for exploitation. Authorities have emphasised the importance of awareness and caution when using such apps, particularly among individuals who may be travelling from overseas.
The District Attorney’s office has taken a firm stance on these allegations, expressing a commitment to ensuring justice for the victims. They encourage anyone affected by similar situations to come forward and seek help.
Support services are available for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or violence. Those in need can reach out to trained professionals, such as by texting “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to connect with a certified crisis counsellor.
As the legal process unfolds, this case serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals who may be drawn into dangerous situations through digital connections. The pursuit of justice in cases like these remains critical, not only to address the harm done but also to work towards preventing such crimes in the future.