New Paltz man, 26, pleads not guilty to rape, other charges

A New Paltz man pleaded not guilty Friday in Ulster County Court to a 12-count indictment charging him with two counts of forcible rape, as well as sex abuse, burglary, strangulation and other charges.

Nicholas Craig, 26, of 16 Main St., Apt. 2, New Paltz, appeared stunned and visibly shaken as Ulster County Assistant District Attorney Jenna Hastings detailed the charges against him in the indictment.

Craig sobbed, sometimes placing his head on the defense table, and at other times looked incredulous as Hastings outlined the specific charges against him.

Hastings said that on April 19, Craig and a woman had a romantic encounter during which Craig placed a leather belt around the woman’s neck forcefully tightening it and telling her to stop fighting and just say “Yes.” Hastings said Craig then forced the woman to have oral sex with him before raping her. She said the woman sought medical care for injuries she suffered injuries to her neck and genitals but did not report the rape to the police.

Hastings said that on May 9, the woman was awakened to Craig putting a cloth belt around her neck, saying ‘B— ch, this is your leash,’ before raping her a second time. She said the woman again sought medical treatment for injuries she allegedly sustained and reported the alleged attack.

He has been charged with two counts of first-degree rape (by forcible compulsion); two counts of firstdegree criminal sex act (by force); two counts of aggravated sex abuse (compulsion); one count of burglary (dangerous instrument); one count of burglary (of a dwelling causing injury); two counts of assault with intent to cause injury (with a weapon) and two counts of second-degree strangulation.

If convicted of all counts, Craig could face up to 169 years in state prison.

Ulster County Judge Bryan Rounds ordered Craig held in the Ulster County Jail on $350,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $750,000 partially secured bond pending further proceedings.