Lifeguard, 23, arrested at airport over allegation of rape at idyllic summer camp
Manuel Escalera Ibanez, a native of Madrid, Spain, was dramatically apprehended while waiting to board an international flight on Monday night, The Shelter Island Reporter reported.
The 23-year-old was on a J-1 work visa with Camp Quintent, a summer camp owned and operated by New York Conference of The United Methodist Church.
He was arrested this week after he was accused of rape at the Shelter Island camp.
The alleged attack was reported a day before his July 21 arrest. It is unclear who reported the crime to police, but camp officials stressed the alleged victim is not a camper.
Escalara Ibanez was taken into custody at 10.22pm at Kennedy Airport as he waited to board an international flight by Shelter Island Police detectives, officers from the Suffolk County District Attorney's office and Homeland Security Investigations.
He was charged with Felony Rape in the First Degree, and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, a misdemeanor.
Police said an order of protection was issued on behalf of the alleged victim, Newsday reported.
He was also ordered by the court to surrender his passport. If released, he must remain in New York State under the further direction of the court.
Police said an order of protection was issued on behalf of the alleged victim, Newsday reported.
He was also ordered by the court to surrender his passport. If released, he must remain in New York State under the further direction of the court.
Currently, he is being held at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility in lieu of $150,000 cash bail, $200,000 bond or a $500,000 partially secured bond.
Escalara Ibanez traveled from his native Spain to the United States for work. He was on a J-1 visa, a non-immigrant visa that allows for participation in work- and study-based programs in the country.
Other jobs include, a part-time referee for indoor soccer matches in schools throughout the community of Madrid. He is also a senior technician in sales and commercial space Management and transportation and logistics, and works, as per his Linkedin profile.
The camp issued a letter to 'Quinipet Families' informing them of the alleged disturbing event.
'We are genuinely saddened about a recent incident. The incident occurred between camp sessions when no children were on-site and did not involve any campers.'
'This matter is the subject of a criminal investigation, and we are cooperating with local law enforcement in this regard.'
'At Quinipet Camp & Retreat Center, the safety, care, and enrichment of every child and staff member are central to our mission.
'We uphold rigorous, longstanding safety protocols and regularly review our policies to ensure that all staff meet or exceed national standards and have met with our staff to once again remind them of our safeguards and compliance practices.'
'We understand that families and members of our community may have questions. However, out of respect for the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we will not be providing further comment at this time.
'We remain firmly committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for all who come to Quinipet.
'Thank you for your continued trust and support as we navigate this difficult time with transparency, compassion, and full resolve.'
The camp and retreat center celebrated its 75th anniversary this year. Located on 25-acres in the northwest shore of Shelter Island and is approximately 3.5 hours away from New York City.
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