A Queens man accused of threatening, assaulting and holding a 19-year-old woman against her will pleaded not guilty in Nassau District Court, where bail was set at $200,000 cash, court records show.
Balraj Singh, 28, of Richmond Hill, was arrested after Nassau County police said he was involved in a series of domestic incidents involving the woman between June 15 and July 7.
According to Nassau County detectives, Singh threatened the victim on multiple occasions, both verbally and electronically, causing her to fear for her life.
Police said Singh later demanded that the woman meet him at a specific location and get into his vehicle to avoid repercussions. After she complied, Singh struck her several times in the face and drove away while she pleaded to get out of the vehicle, detectives said.
Singh then displayed a box cutter and drove the victim to the Abbey Motor Inn at 317 W. Jericho Turnpike in Huntington, where he refused to let her leave, police said.
The victim called 911.
After an investigation, police said they located the woman, who was being held against her will, and arrested Singh without incident.
Detectives said further investigation found Singh had violated a valid order of protection.
Singh is charged in Nassau District Court with second-degree kidnapping, first-degree criminal contempt involving communication, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, first-degree criminal contempt involving a weapon, second-degree criminal contempt, three counts of second-degree aggravated harassment, second-degree menacing and second-degree harassment, court records show.
The top charge, second-degree kidnapping, is listed as a class B felony.
Singh was arraigned July 7 and pleaded not guilty to all counts, according to court records. A temporary order of protection was issued.
Bail was set at $200,000 cash, $500,000 insured bond or $1 million partially secured surety bond, court records show.
His next Nassau court appearance was scheduled for July 9 before Judge Anthony William Paradiso in Nassau District Court in Mineola.
Court records also show Singh has a separate pending Nassau District Court case from an alleged March 18 incident. In that case, he is charged with third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree aggravated harassment, second-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree menacing, fourth-degree stalking and second-degree harassment. He pleaded not guilty in that case, and his next appearance is scheduled for Aug. 18.
A separate Queens Criminal Court matter lists a July 10 appearance in a violation of probation part, according to court records.
Photo: NCPD
