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Police nab E. Elmhurst nightclub rape suspect

By Jeremy Walsh

Robinson Fana, 20, was arraigned Jan. 27 in Queens Criminal Court on charges of sodomy, attempted rape, sexual abuse and resisting arrest, the Queens district attorney's office said. Judge Joel Blumenfeld set Fana's bail at $50,000. His next court date is Feb. 13.If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison, the DA's office said.Fana met the victim at a nearby nightclub, police said, and took her for a walk outside. He brought her to a dark backyard on 94th Street near 23rd Avenue, where he asked for sexual favors, authorities said.When the victim refused, Fana forced her to perform the sex acts and slammed her head into a parked car, breaking her nose and cheekbones and knocking her unconscious, police said.Officers arrived on the scene before the victim regained consciousness, police said, but before Fana could escape. They arrested him on the spot.When she came to, the victim said Fana threatened her, police said.Rape reports are up from January of 2007 in the 115th Precinct, which covers Jackson Heights, Corona and East Elmhurst. Seven rapes were reported as of Jan. 27, compared to none in January 2007.A police source said several of last month's crimes were statutory rapes, and in most cases, the victim knew her attacker.Reach reporter Jeremy Walsh by e-mail at jwalsh@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 154.