Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced today that Francisco Lopez-Gomez, 45, of the Bronx, New York, has pleaded guilty to Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D Felony.
The incident occurred on June 15, 2017, during a birthday party at Rockland Lake State Park. The victim, a seven-year-old child at the time, was changing in a family member’s vehicle when Lopez-Gomez entered and sexually abused her.
The abuse went unreported for years until it was brought to the attention of authorities. An investigation by the New York City Police Department, New York State Police, and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit ensued.
Lopez-Gomez, who was already serving a probationary sentence for a prior conviction, will now be required to register as a sex offender.
District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II emphasized, “This guilty plea sends a clear message: those who sexually abuse children will be investigated and prosecuted. My office remains committed to protecting innocent children and seeking justice for victims of sexual abuse.”
Sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2024, before Judge Anne B. Bianchi.
The investigation was conducted by the New York State Police, with assistance from the New York City Police Department and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit.