Suffolk Reporter

A Connecticut man has been found guilty of sexually abusing his ex-girlfriend's daughter over a period of five years. The Suffolk County District Attorney, Raymond A. Tierney, announced the conviction of the 60-year-old after a jury trial for Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child.

"Today’s verdict brings justice to a young victim who endured horrific trauma at the hands of the defendant," said District Attorney Tierney. "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."

The trial revealed that in September 2011, while dating the child's mother, the defendant began living in their home. By October 2011, he started abusing the then six-year-old girl, with the severity increasing until October 2016 when he moved out to live with his mother in Connecticut. The victim reported the abuse to police in 2021 after confiding in her grandmother.

On December 16, 2024, Acting County Court Judge Richard T. Dunne presided over the trial where the defendant was convicted of Course of Sexual Conduct in the First Degree, classified as a Class B violent felony. He is scheduled for sentencing on January 17, 2025, facing up to 25 years imprisonment. Chad LaVeglia represents him legally.

Assistant District Attorneys Ashley Moruzzi and Alexandra Raso from the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau prosecuted this case. Detective Lisa Hofelich from Suffolk County Police Department’s Special Victims Section led the investigation.