US News

Employee ‘tried to rape colleague in 92nd Street Y elevator’

A 92nd Street Y worker was busted for trying to rape a female coworker in an elevator at the venerable Upper East Side cultural institution, law-enforcement sources told The Post on Monday.

Mark Drayton, 46, of The Bronx, was charged with attempted rape and sexual abuse after the weekend attack inside the historic center at 1395 Lexington Ave., sources said. The terrified woman broke free and called 911, sources said.

Founded in 1847, the Y offers a wide range of programs, such as lectures, panel discussions and concerts. Notable figures who have performed or lectured there include Bill Clinton, Alvin Ailey, Dustin Hoffman and Sting.

Drayton was headed to a supply room with his victim to pick up goods around 10:10 a.m. Saturday when he allegedly asked about her breasts while the pair was still in the elevator. The woman quickly changed subjects, sources said.

Drayton got off on a floor to get the supplies, then returned to the elevator, sources said.

That’s when he allegedly forced himself on the victim, kissing her and grabbed her crotch while sneering, “Don’t talk!”

The victim shoved him away, but Drayton continued his assault and exposed himself, sources said.

When the elevator doors opened, the victim dashed out to call 911, sources said.

Later that day, cops picked up Drayton, who was being held on $15,000 bond at the Manhattan Detention Complex.

The 92nd Street Y said in a statement today, “We are cooperating with the authorities on this matter and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”