Child Sex Abuse Charges After Teen's Body Found On Street: DA

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A New Rochelle man who had previously been charged with dumping the body of a New Rochelle High School student is now facing child sex abuse charges, according to the Westchester County District Attorney.

DA Susan Cacace said the new child sexual abuse charges have now been filed against the New Rochelle man arrested earlier this month in connection with the dumping of a 15-year-old boy's corpse on a city street.

Hugo Horacio Perez-Gabriel, 32, was arraigned on a felony complaint charging him with two counts each of use of a child in a sexual performance, disseminating indecent material to minors and possessing an obscene sexual performance by a child.

Judge Tamika Coverdale, sitting as a New Rochelle City Court judge, remanded Perez-Gabriel to the custody of the Westchester County Department of Correction.

"The allegations in this complaint are extremely disturbing,"Cacace said in a statement. "The fact that this same defendant was previously charged in connection with the dumping of a 15-year-old boy's corpse makes this case all the more horrific. My office is working around the clock to find out what happened to this boy, and I am committed to delivering justice to his family."

SEE ALSO:

• 2 Arrested In Connection To Child's Body Found On Sidewalk: NRPD
• Child Found Dead Has Been Identified As New Rochelle 15-Year-Old

Perez-Gabriel used WhatsApp to request sexual material from an underage New Rochelle resident in early February, according to prosecutors. The minor sent Perez-Gabriel two videos engaging in a sexual performance, according to the complaint.

On Feb. 7, Perez-Gabriel was charged with one count of concealment of a human corpse in connection with the dumping of a 15-year-old boy’s body in New Rochelle. The 15-year-old whose body was found on a sidewalk is the same victim who allegedly communicated with Perez-Gabriel on WhatsApp, prosecutors said.

The circumstances surrounding the teen's death remain under investigation. A 16-year-old New Rochelle resident was also charged in connection with that incident.

The investigation is being led by the New Rochelle Police Department and the Westchester DA’s Office. The case related to allegations of child sexual abuse material is being prosecuted by Laura Forbes, Chief of the Child Sex Abuse Material Bureau.

"This case represents a heartbreaking loss for our community, and our detectives have been relentless in pursuing every lead to ensure justice is served," New Rochelle Police Commissioner Robert Gazzola said. "These new charges reflect our commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for crimes against our children, and we will continue to investigate until all facts are brought to light."

NRPD asks anyone with information related to this case to come forward. Tips can be provided confidentially by contacting the department's tip line at 914-632-COPS or at 914-654-2300.