Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced that an appellate court has affirmed the conviction and sentence of Reynaldo Bregaudit (DOB 03/01/60) of 10 Hamilton Avenue, Sloatsburg, New York for:
• One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class “A” Misdemeanor
• Two counts of Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, class “B” Misdemeanors
During the early morning hours of July 25, 2006, Bregaudit climbed into bed with his then 14-year-old niece, while naked from the waist down. The defendant removed the young victim’s shorts and underwear and sexually molested her.
The victim later disclosed the sexual abuse to an Aunt, who advised her mother and father, who ultimately contacted the Town of Haverstraw Police.
Following his conviction by a jury in August, 2009, the defendant admitted that he had been sexually abusing the child for three years. He was sentenced in October, 2009 to the maximum possible jail time for each crime.
In the Appellate Term, Second Department, Bregaudit claimed that the People took too much time to bring the case to trial, violating his speedy trial rights.
The court found the defendant could not prove that the delay harmed his ability to defend himself, and further that “the sensitive nature of the charges, which involve the sexual abuse of a child, and the fact that defendant was never incarcerated before trial, further weigh against finding a violation of defendant's constitutional rights.” The court also found that Bregaudit’s lawyer effectively represented him at the trial.
District Attorney Zugibe said, “This case demonstrates how a trusted relative can sometimes hurt those in their charge. When family members sexually abuse those closest to them, law enforcement must act to bring those perpetrators to justice.”
Executive Assistant District Attorney Itamar Yeger handled the matter in the appellate term.
The full decision may be found at:http://www.courts.state.ny.us/reporter/3dseries/2011/2011_51136.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment