D.A. Bragg Announces Prison Sentence for Man Who Raped Acquaintance While She Slept

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the sentencing of QUAMAE TAYLOR, 33, to nine years in state prison for raping an acquaintance while she slept in March 2024. On September 18, 2025, TAYLOR pleaded guilty in New York State Supreme Court to one count of Rape in the First Degree.

"Quamae Taylor took advantage of this survivor's vulnerable state and raped her while she was asleep and physically helpless," said District Attorney Bragg. "I thank the survivor for her resilience and her strength in speaking at today's sentencing.

"The facts of this case bely many common misunderstandings of rape, while mirroring what we see across our Special Victims Division. This defendant was an acquaintance, not a stranger, and raped this survivor in a relative's apartment, not a stereotypical darkened street corner. I want to reiterate that regardless of the circumstances, rape is rape, and we are here to help you. I urge survivors to call us at 212-335-9373."

As admitted in the defendant's guilty plea, and according to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on the evening of March 9, 2024, TAYLOR, an acquaintance of the victim, accompanied her and her sister to a restaurant to celebrate the victim's birthday. Soon after they all returned to the sisters' apartment, the victim fell asleep. The victim awoke to the defendant raping her as she slept in her bed. She then contacted the NYPD and TAYLOR was arrested.

Assistant D.A. Phoebe Rosenfeld handled the prosecution of the case under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Vanessa Puzio (IPSV Deputy Bureau Chief), Assistant D.A. Shannon Lucey (Deputy Chief of the Special Victims Division) and Executive Assistant D.A. Justin McNabney (Chief of the Special Victims Division). Survivor Services Bureau Counselors Kara Wissing and Nakeisha Vanterpool, Investigative Analyst Eva Nikitovic, and former Assistant D.A. Megan Mers assisted with the investigation.

Defendant Information:

QUAMAE TAYLOR

Queens, NY

Convicted:

• Rape in the First Degree, a class B felony, one count

Sentenced:

• 9 years in state prison