Sex Offender Arrested in Attempted Rape of Girl, 13, in Coney Island Basement

A registered sex offender has been arrested for allegedly trying to rape a 13-year-old girl in the basement of her Brooklyn building after he threatened her with scissors in the elevator, authorities said.

Bennett Castello, 40, was charged Wednesday with rape, burglary and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the April 30 incident.

Authorities say the 13-year-old victim encountered a man believed to be Castello as she walked into the elevator that afternoon and the two rode down together.

When it stopped at the basement level, police say Castello allegedly pulled out a pair of scissors and tried to rape her. Then he ran off.

Castello was convicted in 1998 of sex crimes against a victim older than 21. He was designated a sexually violent sex offender.

Information on an attorney for Castello wasn't immediately available. 

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