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'Nobody has a right to take your body from you.' Sex assault spurs Bronx influencer to help community

KenStarrz, a social media influencer and Bronx native, says he immediately jumped to action after learning about the sex assault.

Elly Morillo

and

Adolfo Carrion

May 13, 2024, 5:51 PM

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A local social media influencer is doing his part to help women in the neighborhood feel safer following a violent sexual assault incident in Melrose.

MORE: NYPD: Bronx man accused in violent Melrose sexual assault arrested; charged with first-degree rape

Kasaan Parks, 39, was walked out of the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit over the weekend. His charges include first-degree rape, strangulation and sex abuse. Authorities say he sexually assaulted a 45-year-old woman near East 152nd Street and 3rd Avenue on May 1.

“I’ve been through an attempted sexual assault when I was in college… nobody has a right to take your body from you,” said one Melrose resident.

KenStarrz, a social media influencer and Bronx native, says he immediately jumped to action after learning about the incident. He says he’s handed out nearly 300 packs of pepper-sprays to people in the community in response.

“I want to go around the area where, you know, where it happened. So, I pulled up over here, and I just started giving them out,” said KenStarrz. “I want to do what I can to protect women now."

Kashaan Parks is due back in court on May 16.

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