D.A. Bragg: Man Indicted For Attempted Rape In Manhattan Nail Salon

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of JOSEPH WICHARD, 35, for attempting to rape a 34-year-old woman inside a Midtown nail salon. WICHARD is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Attempted Rape in the First Degree and one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. [1]

"This alleged conduct is absolutely abhorrent, and I hope the survivor is able to recovery both physically and emotionally," said District Attorney Bragg. "I want all survivors of assault and rape to know that we are here to help secure accountability and justice, and I encourage them to call our hotline at 212-335-9373."

As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record, on September 1, 2025, at approximately 6:00p.m., WICHARD walked into the nail salon where the survivor was working alone.

WICHARD approached her and allegedly grabbed her by the arms, tried to kiss her, and attempted to pull her to a back area in the salon. When the survivor tried to escape, WICHARD caught up to her, threw her to the ground, and dragged her on the floor to the back area.

WICHARD then allegedly took off the survivor's pants, ripped her underwear, and forcefully groped her. The survivor bit WICHARD on the face in self-defense, and then managed to grab a vacuum cleaner and hit WICHARD with it. In response, WICHARD fled the scene. The survivor then called the owner of the nail salon, who promptly notified nearby police officers. WICHARD was arrested several days later.

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, especially Detectives Andre Arias and Steven Clarke of the Manhattan Special Victims Squad.

Defendant Information:
JOSEPH WICHARD
New York, New York

Charged:

• Attempted Rape in the First Degree, a class C felony, one count
• Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a class D felony, one count

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.