Man Sexually Abused Girlfriend's Daughter For 5 Years: DA

BABYLON, NY — A 60-year-old man, formerly of Babylon, has been found guilty by trial of sexually abusing his girlfriend's daughter for five years, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.

On Monday, the man, whose identity is being witheld to protect the child, was found guilty after a jury trial of course of sexual conduct against a child, for sexually abusing a child for five years, beginning when she was six years old, the DA said.

According to evidence established at trial, in September 2011, the defendant was dating the mother of the then-6-year-old victim and was staying in their home, the DA said. In October 2011, he started to sexually abuse the child which escalated in severity over time until it ended in October 2016 when the man moved out of the home and went to live with his mother in Connecticut, the DA said.

In 2021, the victim reported the abuse to police after she told her grandmother, who encouraged her to file a report, the DA said.

"Today’s verdict brings justice to a young victim who endured horrific trauma at the hands of the defendant," Tierney said. "Our thoughts remain with the victim and her family throughout this difficult journey, and we remain committed to ensuring that justice is served in every case of abuse."

On Dec. 16, the defendant was convicted of Course of first-degree sexual conduct, a Class B violent felony, after a jury trial heard before Acting County Court Judge Richard T. Dunne, the DA said.

He is due back in court for sentencing on Jan. 17, 2025, and faces up to 25 years in prison, the DA said. He is being represented by Chad LaVeglia who was not immediately available for comment.