GIRLS GROPED IN THE LIBRARY

Joel Grubert Detectives collared a Brooklyn man last Saturday, July 7, who allegedly molested two young girls in the children’s section of the Flushing library last month, law enforcement sources said.

The perpetrator was identified by police as 49-year-old Joel Grubert, a resident of a shelter on Skillman Avenue in EastWilliamsburg.

Reportedly, Grubert attacked the two girls, ages six and nine, inside the Flushing library at 41-17 Main St. at around 6:20 p.m. on the night of June 23.

According to information provided by the Queens District Attorney’s office, Grubert allegedly followed the nine-year-old victim inside the children’s section. Upon approaching her, it was reported, the suspect grabbed her crotch and buttocks, then said he was sorry.

Moments later, authorities said, Grubert allegedly groped a six-yearold girl in the same section of the library.

The mothers of both victims reported the incident to police, and an investigation was launched by the NYPD Queens Special Victims Squad.

Last Friday, July 6, police released a surveillance camera image of the suspect later identified as Grubert, who was seen wearing a gray tshirt and a New York Yankees baseball cap.

Grubert was reportedly spotted the following day at an undisclosed location in Queens wearing what ap- peared to be the same clothing, the criminal complaint noted. Members of the Queens Special Victims Squad moved in and collared the suspect, who was subsequently charged with sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.

According to court records, he was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on Sunday, July 8, before Judge Cheree Buggs, who ordered him held on $500,000 bail.

He is scheduled to return to court on July 23.