Jose Romero, 34, of Centereach, was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Suffolk County Court on Friday 12 May.
He previously pleaded guilty in April 2023 to first-degree rape.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Romero sexually abused the child in October 2021 before giving her “pocket money” and telling her not to tell her parents.
Despite the attempted bribe, the girl immediately reported the abuse to her parents, who then contacted the police.
She was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital, where a sexual assault test linked Romero’s DNA to the crime, prosecutors said.
“Because of this child’s bravery, the defendant will go to jail, where he cannot harm any other child,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said in a statement.
“Speaking out against an abuser, especially at such a young age, is a daunting task. However, we encourage all victims in Suffolk County to take this step so we can keep our most vulnerable residents safe .”
In court on Friday, a judge also sentenced Romero to 10 years of post-release supervision. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
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