Activist warns of sexual violence crisis after FIT student’s alleged rape and fatal drugging

An activist has warned of what she describes as an “emergency” of sexual violence against women and girls in the United States following the indictment of a 19-year-old man accused of drugging and raping Fashion Institute of Technology student Annabel Richter, who died in March.

Reshma Saujani, a lawyer and founder of the nonprofits Moms First US and Girls Who Code, addressed the case in a statement shared on Instagram Saturday. She also referenced separate allegations of sexual violence involving Cornell University and the University of Chicago.

“One part that haunts me: prosecutors say he sent photos of her unconscious to his friends before he called for help,” Saujani wrote, calling for greater attention to sexual violence.

According to prosecutors, Moises Freire, of the Bronx, allegedly gave Richter and her roommate what they believed was cocaine from Mexico while they were in their dormitory at Nagler Hall in Chelsea on March 18. Authorities allege the substance contained fentanyl and that both women lost consciousness.

Prosecutors further allege that Freire raped Richter while she was unconscious, took photographs of her partially naked body and sent them to friends. He allegedly waited approximately 45 minutes before contacting campus security for help and initially told first responders that the women had consumed too much alcohol.

Freire was initially arrested in March and pleaded not guilty to the original charges. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on October 28 to face upgraded charges, including distributing a controlled substance with the intent to commit rape. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life.

Brian Peralta Cabrera, 18, of Queens, was also charged in connection with an alleged narcotics conspiracy involving the drug. A third man, Harry Rosales Pino, has pleaded guilty to narcotics distribution resulting in death.

Other sexual assault allegations draw scrutiny

Saujani also pointed to allegations involving Cornell University and the University of Chicago as examples of the broader concerns she raised.

At Cornell, a former student identified as Jane Doe filed a lawsuit accusing seven Chi Phi fraternity members of gang rape. The men have denied the allegations, and none had been criminally charged in connection with the case, according to the report.

Separately, a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted in a bathroom at a party held at an Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house near the University of Chicago campus. The university said it had identified a person of interest, but no charges had been filed at the time of the report.

The cases have renewed calls from advocates for greater accountability and stronger responses to sexual violence against women and girls.