Rapist gets prison, may be deported

Victim, 13, gave birth, court says

Jan. 16, 2014 10:10 AM |
by Roberto Cruz
Poughkeepsie Journal

A City of Poughkeepsie man convicted of rape will be placed in federal custody upon his release from prison and could be subject to deportation, Dutchess County Court officials said.

Juan Carlos Amigon, 26, pleaded guilty to second-degree rape, a felony, on Nov. 16 involving a 13-year-old girl. He was sentenced Wednesday by Judge Stephen L. Greller in County Court to four years in state prison, plus 10 years post-release supervision.


Orders of protection were filed on behalf of the victim, whom court officials said gave birth to Amigon’s child.


Amigon was ordered to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison, Greller said in court. However, Greller told the court that Amigon, an illegal immigrant, will be placed in the custody of federal law enforcement upon his release and could be subject to deportation.


“You knew what you did was wrong,” Greller said. “You admitted it to police.”


Amigon’s attorney, Swathi Vardan, said her client is attending church services and working toward getting his GED while incarcerated and hopes to be there for the child he “brought into this world.”


“My client is aware of the consequences of his actions,” she told the court.


Amigon also was ordered to pay $1,425 in fines and surcharges.


“The maximum sentence he could’ve gotten was seven (years)," said Assistant District Attorney Kristine Hawlk, who prosecuted the case.

"However, knowing that after he serves his four years, he will then be deported is what made us comfortable taking the plea, which ensured that the victim would not have to face the offender at trial and yet held him accountable for his actions.”


Roberto Cruz: RCruz2@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4843; Twitter: @RobertoCruzPJ

http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/a...n-may-deported