Investigators Seeking Other Potential Victims Of Accused Child Rapist

YONKERS, NY — A Westchester man has been indicted for crimes connected to the rape and repeated sex abuse of a young child, and investigators are seeking other potential victims.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that Rolando Ruiz, of Yonkers, was indicted on felony charges related to the rape and repeated sexual abuse of a child under the age of 13 years old. Ruiz was charged with committing a course of sexual conduct against a child, predatory sexual assault against a child, two counts each of use of a child less than 17 years of age in a sexual performance and possessing an obscene sexual performance by a child.

The 39-year-old, who works as a sexton at the Community Baptist Church in Yonkers, was arraigned on the indictment on Tuesday in Westchester County Court. He was then remanded to the Westchester County Jail.

"The defendant’s conduct, as alleged in this indictment, is heinous," DA Cacace said. "As a judge, I presided for many years over the Sex Offense Part in the Westchester County Court. These are among the more disturbing allegations I have encountered during my tenure. Thanks to a swift intervention by my office and the Yonkers police, we were able to secure the victim's (and their family's) safety. As District Attorney, protecting children and vulnerable populations remains my North Star.”

Ruiz is accused of raping and repeatedly sexually abusing the victim, beginning in 2020. He is also accused of recording the victim on his cellphone during at least two of these incidents, according to the DA.

Cacace thanked the Yonkers Police Department for its diligent work on this case.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant DS Charlotte Gudis, Assistant DA Daniela Parra, and Child and Elder Abuse Bureau Chief Christine Hatfield.

Anyone with additional information about Ruiz is asked to call Yonkers police at 914-377-7725.