Suffolk Man Convicted Of Raping 8-Year-Old Girl

A Patchogue man was convicted on Wednesday of sexually abusing and raping an eight year old girl, Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said.

Maximo Vera, 38, was found guilty of first-degree rape, first-degree criminal sexual act, first degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.

“Vera preyed on this young girl robbing her of her innocence,” Spota said in a press release. “This defendant will be incarcerated and off the streets for a lengthy period of time.”

Authorities say Vera sexually abused and raped the girl from the winter of 2014 to June of 2015. An investigation into the abuse began after the girl told her fifth grade teacher about her encounters with Vera, the DA said. Vera was arrested on Sept. 21 2016.

Vera was remanded and certified a sex offender.

Vera’s trial started on Monday, July 31 in Riverhead. He will be sentenced on Sept. 21. The DA's office will recommend a sentence of 25 years in an upstate correctional facility.

Image via SCDA