A Bronx man, Ishmael Francis, has been accused of raping a 13-year-old boy in a public housing building stairwell after the two connected online, according to prosecutors. Francis, 29, was indicted on two counts of second-degree rape and other charges following the disturbing incident that took place last month in the Sotomayor Houses in Soundview, Bronx.
The victim and Francis reportedly exchanged messages late at night on September 18, leading Francis to go to the victim’s residence and wait in the stairwell. When the boy came down to dispose of the trash, Francis allegedly assaulted him sexually. He then stole the victim’s phone and fled when he heard the family calling out for the boy.
The young victim was taken to Jacobi Hospital for treatment, while Francis was apprehended on September 24 with the help of the online messages that identified him. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark emphasized the trauma that the child has experienced and vowed to support him through the ordeal.
Francis is facing charges that include two counts of third-degree rape, two counts of sexual misconduct, endangering the welfare of a child, and fourth-degree grand larceny. During a court appearance on Monday, supervised release was extended for Francis, and his next court date is set for January 7, 2025.
The heinous nature of the crime has shocked the community, and authorities are working diligently to ensure justice for the victim and hold Francis accountable for his actions. The safety and well-being of children must always be a top priority, and incidents like these serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals against harm.
