Hilario Hernandez De La Cruz, 35, of Riverhead, was charged with attempted sexual offenses at Suffolk County Court on Tuesday 25 July.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the 11-year-old victim was at Larry’s Barbershop on the head of the River de la Cruz with his father on Monday, July 10, when the two began drinking.
After a few drinks, the boy’s father went to the bathroom. In doing so, Dela Cruz repeatedly offered money to the boy for sex, prosecutors said.
He allegedly made sexually suggestive gestures and attempted to grab the boy by the genitals.
The victim pushed his hands away several times before eventually leaving the barber shop and calling his mother to come pick him up. After he reported the abuse, she called the police.
“Thankfully, the victim knew what the defendant was asking him to do was wrong, so he left the store to seek help,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney.
The next day, Dela Cruz was arrested by Riverhead police. He is accused of:
- Attempted Sexual Offenses (Felonies)
- Attempted Sexual Abuse (Felony)
- Abetting a crime (felony)
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Misdemeanor)
If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
The boy’s father was also arrested and charged with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child.
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