Global Courant 2023-05-15 06:19:04
A man from Centereach, New York who pleaded guilty to having sexual intercourse with a 6-year-old girl in 2021 was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Friday.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said 34-year-old Jose Romero admitted to the crime last month as part of a plea of guilty.
Romero had sexual intercourse with the 6-year-old in October 2021, according to investigators and Romero’s plea.
He then gave the girl some change from his pocket and told her not to tell her parents about what he had done to her.
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Jose Romero booking photo. (Suffolk County District Attorneys Office)
But the plan did not pay off for Romero. The girl even immediately told her parents about Romero’s abuse, and her parents contacted the police.
The 6-year-old was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital on Long Island’s north shore, where a sexual assault nurse found DNA evidence linking Romero to the sexual assault.
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Romero pleaded guilty to first-degree rape on April 12, 2023 before Suffolk County District Court Judge Karen M. Wilutis.
A month later, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision.
FILE – Hand about to hit gavel on sound block in courtroom. (iStock)
Romero must also register as a sex offender.
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“Because of this kid’s bravery, the defendant will go to jail where he can’t harm other kids,” Tierney said. “Speaking out against an abuser, especially at such a young age, is a difficult task. However, it is a step we encourage all Suffolk County victims to take so that we can keep our most vulnerable residents safe.”
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
