Long Island man who raped 6-year-old girl sentenced to 12 years in prison
A Centereach, New York man 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 Jose Romero, 34, admitted to the crime in a guilty plea last month.
According to investigators and Romero’s plea, Romero had sexual intercourse with the 6-year-old in October 2021.
He then gave the girl some loose 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 Attorney’s Office)
But the plan didn’t work out for Romero. In fact, the girl 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 recovered DNA evidence linking Romero to the sexual abuse.
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Romero pleaded guilty to first-degree rape on April 12, 2023 before Suffolk County Court Judge Karen M. Wilutis.
A month later he was sentenced to 12 years in prison followed by 10 years of post-parole supervision.
FILE – Hand about to bang the gavel on the sound block in the courtroom. (iStock)
Romero must also register as a sex offender.
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“Because of the bravery of this child, the defendant will go to prison where he cannot harm another child,” Tierney said. “Speaking up against a perpetrator is a difficult task, especially at such a young age. However, we encourage all victims in Suffolk County to take this step so we can ensure the safety of our most vulnerable residents.”