A Honduran man arrested for sexually abusing children at TJ Maxx
Jimmy Harry Velasquez Gomez, a 44-year-old Honduran national, has been indicted on multiple child sex-abuse charges after allegedly groping young girls at a Long Island TJ Maxx store. The incidents, captured on surveillance cameras, involved girls between the ages of seven and 11 and occurred over several months.
Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney expressed concern over the disturbing nature of the charges, stating that they undermine the community’s sense of safety.
The incidents took place between April and October, with each involving a young girl who had momentarily separated from her parents while browsing the toy aisle.
On April 19, a 7-year-old girl reported that Gomez had grabbed her buttocks in the aisle before fleeing when she alerted her mother. Months later, on September 20, an 11-year-old girl disclosed a similar encounter with Gomez.
On October 29, Gomez allegedly stalked a 9-year-old girl in the store, touching himself inappropriately while watching her shop before making physical contact with her.
Gomez’s lawyer, Joseph Hanshe, defended his client by claiming that Gomez only brushed against the children while trying to pass by them.
Surveillance footage from the store on all three dates contradicted Hanshe’s claims, showing Gomez acting intentionally and inappropriately.
Gomez, a native of Honduras, was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. His bail has been set at up to $3.5 million.
Despite multiple attempts, Hanshe has not responded to requests for comment from The Post.
