Kluge Pleads Not Guilty in Rape Case

A Holbrook man arrested for the sexual assault of a woman in Holtsville pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Thursday.

John Kluge, 23, of 4 Rachel's Way, charged with first degree rape, first degree burglary, criminal sexual act in the first degree and attempted criminal sexual act in the first degree, was brought up on a five-count indictment in Suffolk County court.

He was lined through a DNA sample from the case after he was charged with another unrelated assault, according a prosecutor at his arraignment.

County Judge Barbara Kahn set cash bail at $300,000 or $1 millon bond, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office.

According to Suffolk County Police, a woman was in the garage of her Holstville residence, which is South of the Long Island Expressway and West of Waverly Avenue, preparing to leave for work on October 26, at approximately 6:30 a.m., when she was burglarized and assaulted.

"It was a police investigation and the complaints are based on the victim's deposition and crime lab evidence gathered by analysts," said the DA in a statement this week when asked how Kluge was arrested nearly eight months after the incident occurred. "Beyond that, we decline to comment."

He also pleaded not guilty to charges of assault, harassment, resisting arrest and possession of marijuana - all separate incidents from the October rape.

Kluge is represented by attorney Gregory Grizopolous of Rockville Centre, who did not return a call this week seeking comment.