By Howard Koplowitz
A Richmond Hill man was charged last week with allegedly raping two women more than 10 years ago after DNA evidence collected from an unrelated drug raid of his home in April linked him to the crimes, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.
Peter J. Grebinger, 41, of 85-88 87th St. in Richmond Hill, faces up to 50 years in prison following his arraignment Aug. 7 on rape and sodomy charges before Queens Criminal Court Judge Robert Raciti, the DA's office said.
Grebinger was linked to the rapes after two loaded semi-automatic pistols, marijuana and cocaine were taken from his home during an April search warrant, Brown said.
“This case underscores yet again the crucial importance of DNA evidence, which is irrefutable proof of guilt or innocence,” the DA said in a statement. “After nearly 10 years of avoiding arrest in the two cases, the defendant ultimately was done in by his own genes.”
Grebinger's DNA, which was found on one of the guns, matched that from two cold rape cases from 1997, the DA said.
In the first rape, Brown said, a 33-year-old woman was walking from the subway on her way to work at 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 3, 1997, when Grebinger approached her near 87-18 101st Ave., told her he had a gun and ordered her not to scream.
He demanded money from the woman and forced her into a nearby building where he allegedly raped and sodomized her before again asking for cash, Brown said. She then gave him money and Grebinger told her to count to 100 before she left, according to the DA. Grebinger also allegedly raped a 22-year-old woman Dec. 28, 1997, Brown said.
In that case, the victim flagged down Grebinger's car at around 6:20 a.m. near Jamaica Avenue and 179th Street in Jamaica because she thought it was a dollar cab, the DA said.
Grebingertold her to sit up front because the rear seat was full before locking the doors and telling the victim to do as she was told, Brown said.
A struggle ensued, Brown said, and Grebinger struck the victim in the face, slammed her head into the dashboard and told her to get on the floor.
He then allegedly drove a short distance, parked his car and took jewelry from the woman before ordering her into the backseat and raping her, the DA said.
Grebinger's father, Peter Grebinger,Sr., was charged along with him in the weapons and drug case, Brown said.
Both father and son were arraigned Aug. 7 on charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a weapon, criminally using drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of marijuana, the DA said.
The son's bail was set at $15,000 while his father, 62, received $5,000 bail, Brown said. Their next court date is scheduled for Sept. 8.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
