Long Island Man Accused of Raping and Robbing 12-Year-Old Boy After Grooming Him on Dating App
In a shocking incident earlier this month, a 12-year-old boy was allegedly raped and robbed by a Long Island man after being groomed on a dating app, according to prosecutors.
The disturbing incident took place in the boy’s family home in Amityville, where Marquise Utsey, 34, reportedly showed up on December 6 when the boy was alone, said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney.
Utsey is accused of sexually assaulting the young boy and then demanding money from him, leaving the child terrified and vulnerable.
The victim, fearing for his safety, complied with the demands and gave Utsey the money he found in a family member’s bedroom, as stated by Tierney in a statement.
The boy had initially met Utsey on a social networking and dating mobile app, although the specific app was not disclosed by the DA’s office.
Tierney condemned the alleged actions, describing them as “utterly reprehensible behavior and a profound betrayal of human decency.”
He added, “The defendant was a complete stranger who allegedly used a mobile app to gain access to a child for his own sick benefit.”
After the assault, Utsey fled the scene, leaving the traumatized boy to disclose the horrific details to his parents upon their return home. The parents immediately contacted the authorities to report the incident.
Utsey, a resident of Massapequa, was subsequently arrested and charged with rape, sexual abuse, robbery, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Following his indictment on Tuesday, Utsey is being held on $750,000 cash bond and could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the charges.
