SCHENECTADY – A city man admitted this week to sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13, Schenectady County District Attorney’s officials said.
Officials cited the case as showing the value of the Schenectady County Child Advocacy Center, described as a child-friendly environment specifically designed to forensically interview children related to physical or sexual abuse.
Juan Garcia-Pleitez, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree criminal sexual act, a felony, prosecutors said.
This case highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for children to disclose abuse and receive the support they need.
He is to be sentenced later to between 12 and 15 years in state prison, officials said. He is also to receive 20 years of post-release supervision.
He is to be sentenced in March.
Garcia-Pleitez admitted to sexually assaulting the child known to him in August in Schenectady, officials said.
The investigation began when the child disclosed the assault to her mother, who immediately contacted police.
Detectives from the Schenectady Police Department’s Youth Aid Bureau investigated and the child was interviewed at the Schenectady Child Advocacy Center.
The center is run and staffed by the Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office and is nationally accredited.
Those involved in the investigation were able to continue their investigation there.
“This case illustrates the value of the Child Advocacy Center,” Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney said in a statement. “It is a one stop shop where children can be examined and questioned by trained professionals, doing the best they can to gather the evidence we need to hold offenders accountable while minimizing trauma to child victims.”
The center also offers counseling at no charge for victims and their families and help accessing crime victims funding through the state, officials said.
The center is under the direction of Susan Casey and “is a genuine asset to the people of Schenectady County,” Carney said.
Special Victim Bureau Chief John J. Carson prosecuted. Garcia-Pleitez was represented by attorney Lee Kindlon. Judge Matthew J. Sypniewski presided.
It is crucial to provide support and resources for victims and their families to help them heal and recover from such traumatic experiences.
Agree
Agree: This is absolutely horrifying. The justice system must ensure severe punishment for such acts to protect children and prevent others from committing similar crimes.