N.Y.: 5 years prison, then deportation, for illegal immigran

5 years prison, then deportation, for illegal immigrant who had sex with New Rochelle 7-year-old

Apr 26, 2011 | 14Comments

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Rebecca Baker Filed Under


WHITE PLAINS — A 31-year-old illegal immigrant was sentenced today to serve five years in prison for sexually abusing a 7-year-old New Rochelle girl.

Rosendo Martinez-Zeferino, of 226 Webster Ave., had pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual act in exchange for the prison term.

He could have been sentenced to 25 years in prison if convicted at trial.

Assistant District Attorney Mary Clark-DiRusso said the plea deal was reached to spare the girl from testifying, saying it was the wish of the girl's mother.

Clark-DiRusso said the mother, who was in the courtroom but declined to speak, is still "outraged" at the abuse.

Martinez-Zeferino, who had a relationship with the girl's mother, was arrested Oct. 31. He was accused of having sexual encounters with the girl for months, police said.

He did not make a statement at sentencing.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have placed a hold on Martinez-Zeferino and will deport him after he serves his sentence.

He is under court order to have no contact with the victim.

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