Around 11 p.m. on September 18, Francis and the boy exchanged messages. The suspect then went to the Sotomayor Houses in Soundview, where the victim resides, and lurked in the stairwell, according to prosecutors.
According to the district attorney’s office, the suspect allegedly sexually assaulted the boy as he walked down the stairwell to dispose of the trash.
According to the district attorney’s office, the child received treatment at Jacobi Hospital, and the alleged perpetrator was arrested on September 24th after online messages helped to identify him.
“We are committed to providing all the necessary support to help this child overcome the trauma they have experienced.”
Francis is also being charged with two counts of third-degree rape, two counts of sexual misconduct, endangering the welfare of a child, and fourth-degree grand larceny.
Francis had his supervised release extended during a court appearance in the Bronx on Monday. His next court date is scheduled for January 7, 2025.