'Talent Scout' Arrested for Rape Print
Written by Keith ID429   
Friday, 19 November 2004 11:51

 

A talent scout for a hip-hop modeling agency was arrested yesterday for raping a 14-year-old girl in his fly-by-night Manhattan office as her parents waited in another room, police said.

Charles (Maurice) Green, 35, allegedly promised the teen he could help her singing and modeling career through his two companies - Hip Hop Models Inc. and Urban Talent Network.

But cops said he attacked her instead.

The victim and her parents visited Green's eighth-floor office at 255 W. 36th St. twice, and the alleged assault took place on Sept. 29, a police source said.

"He separated her from her parents, brought her to another office and raped her," the source said. "It appears to be a ''casting couch'' situation, but she is only 14."

The victim's parents apparently did not know about the alleged rape until this week, the source said.

Green - who was arrested on forgery and fraud charges three years ago - surrendered to NYPD special victims squad detectives yesterday, after the girl's parents called police.

He was charged with rape, endangering the welfare of a child and other sex crimes, according to the New York Daily news.

Flashy Web sites for his modeling company boast they are the "premiere source" for urban talent.

"We utilize our experience, professionalism and reputation to leverage the most lucrative deals," declares the slick site for Hip Hop Models. "This is possible because of our spotless and ethical business practices."

Just last July, Green's Urban Talent Network held an event at Madison Square Garden, attracting 3,000 contestants for an "American Idol"-style competition, an office manager at one of his former buildings said.

Green rented a modest space in the W. 36th St. building for $1,200 and quickly began interviewing a bevy of beautiful people, said his landlord, who did not want his name used.

But days later, Green's check bounced, and he soon vanished, the owner said.

After his disappearance, several children and their parents showed up to ask for headshots that Green had promised to deliver, the owner said. "They seemed pretty desperate," he said.

Green previously rented an office around the corner, at 1375 Broadway - and owes that landlord money too, said officer manager Richard Chiu.

"He was a real friendly guy, real outgoing, very articulate," Chiu said. "He had clients coming in and out every day."