Man Who Sexually Abused 12-Year-Old And Teen In Flushing Arrested: DA

QUEENS — A 32-year-old man who stalked and sexually abused a 12-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl in Flushing earlier this month was arrested, prosecutors said.

James Villarruel, from Long Island, faces several charges after he paid two minors to perform sex acts and take lewd photos of him on the afternoon of June 15, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said Thursday.

Villarruel faces up to eight years in prison, and he faces charges of promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child, luring a child, stalking, sexual abuse, and harassment, among others, Katz said.

He first approached the 12-year-old girl who was walking home from her middle school on Colden Street in Flushing, gave her $90, and told her he wanted to do a photoshoot with her at Kissena Park, the district attorney said.

The 12-year-old secretively took a picture of Villarruel with her phone, and she said she needed to call her mother before he slapped her phone away from her, Katz said.

She gave the 32-year-old his money back and left, prosecutors said.

Villarruel approached the other minor about 2:50 p.m. and offered her $40 in exchange for her to take pictures of him, the district attorney said.

They walked to Kissena Park, where he exposed his penis, touched himself, and asked the 14-year-old girl to take a photo, Katz said.

He forced the girl's hand on his genital area, touched her breasts, and later gave her $60, prosecutors said.

Both girls reported the incidents to their parents, Katz said.