A man from Centereach, New York, was sentenced to 12 years in jail after pleading guilty to having sexual relations with a 6-year-old child in 2021.
According to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, Jose Romero, 34, admitted to the crime last month as part of a guilty plea.
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 cash from his pocket and told her not to inform her parents about what he had done to her.
However, Romero’s strategy did not work out. In fact, the child promptly informed her parents about Romero’s assault, and her parents notified police.
The 6-year-old was transferred to Stony Brook University Hospital on Long Island’s North Shore, where a sexual assault nurse discovered DNA evidence linking Romero to the sexual abuse.
On April 12, 2023, Romero pleaded guilty to first-degree rape in front of Suffolk County Court Judge Karen M. Wilutis.
He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and 10 years of post-release supervision a month later.
Romero is also required to register as a sex offender.
“Because of the bravery of this child, the defendant will go to prison where he cannot harm any other children,” Tierney said. “Speaking out against an abuser, especially at such a young age, is a difficult task. However, it is a step that we encourage all those who are victims in Suffolk County to take so that we may keep our most vulnerable residents safe.”
