DA: Man was grinding atop unconscious woman on the Esplanade when troopers arrived

A Waltham man was ordered held in lieu of $100,000 bail today on charges he took advantage of a drunk companion's unconsciousness to attack her sexually, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office.

State troopers on routine patrol on the Esplanade near Community Boating pulled Joseph Bartel, 49, off the still clothed woman around 1 a.m. on Sunday, the DA's office says.

The DA's office provided this account:

Troopers called for Boston EMS and separated the two. In a statement, Barthel allegedly identified the female by the wrong name, berated the responding troopers, and smelled strongly of alcohol.

Emergency medical technicians were able to rouse the woman, who stated that she knew Barthel only as a friend of a friend with whom they had been drinking earlier in the day. She told the troopers that she had passed out as Barthel was trying to kiss her.

Barthel, who claimed residence at a Boston shelter but lived in Waltham as recently as February, allegedly told troopers that "You didn't see [expletive] and you can't prove [expletive] either. I beat that rape case and my lawyer will beat this [expletive] case, too."

The earlier case also involved a homeless woman who told police that Barthel had sexually assaulted her after meeting and consuming alcohol together in downtown Boston. Barthel was charged with rape in connection with that incident, which took place at Long Wharf Park in the early morning hours of Oct. 21, 2012. The charge against Barthel was withdrawn in January because, despite exhaustive efforts, Boston Police detectives were unable to locate the victim in time for trial. By withdrawing the case instead of proceeding to a dismissal, prosecutors will be able to re-charge the case when the victim is located.

The DA's office adds:

The troopers who interrupted Barthel’s alleged assault on the most recent victim were part of directed patrols implemented by State Police several weeks ago to enhance security for visitors to the Esplanade. Among the reasons for the deployment of those patrols are three past assaults on the Esplanade that have been linked to one another and to a fourth assault at Joe Moakley Park in South Boston.

Innocent, etc.