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Transgender Girlfriend Of UES Sexual Assault Suspect Is Victim Of Love
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jun 4, 2011
Modified Jun 4, 2011
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By
Ben Yakas
Published Jun 4, 2011
Modified Jun 4, 2011
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The transgender girlfriend of the man who is accused of sexually assaulting an elderly woman on the Upper East Side last week wrote an email expressing her condolences to the victim of the assault today. And she wanted to make sure the 85-year-old victim knew she too was a victim: "I as well am a victim. A victim of falling in love."
Tahttiana Fermin was very apologetic in the email on behalf of her boyfriend Jeffery Ritter, who has been charged with criminal sexual acts, robbery and sexual abuse. Even if the message is not completely incriminating, it certainly doesn't shed Ritter in a very positive light: "My heart goes out to the victim and her family. All I can say is that we as human beings get to pick the friends we like to hang out with and the man we want to live the rest of our lives with. Unfortunately we can't pick the choices they make in life."
According to police, the heavily tattooed Ritter forced the 100 pound woman to perform oral sex on him before stealing a ring and fleeing early Monday morning. Yesterday, Ritter's brother didn't sound too sympathetic to his brother's current predicament: "I tried to help you and you chose the wrong path. It hurts me to see you locked up. But from me to you, heart to heart, you have issues and you need help."
Nevertheless, Fermin said she would support her man: "I love you and hope that you as well can move forward." She also included a message to anyone who was trying to pry into her personal life: "I am not a drug user or abuser, I walk with class, a good head on my shoulders, and feet full flat on the ground moving forward. No one can defeat me but me."
Tagged
attempted rape
jeffrey ritter
sex offender
sexual assault
ues
upper east side
victim of love
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
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