Albany County District Attorney Lee C. Kindlon announced today that a 28-year-old man is heading to state prison for enticing a young teen to perform oral sex on him.
Joshua Gonzalez was sentenced on Monday by the Honorable William Little to serve seven years in prison followed by 10 years of post-release supervision after pleading guilty to Rape in the Second Degree and Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors in the First Degree as a Sexually Motivated Felony.
Between May 5 and May 10 of this year, Gonzalez used Snapchat to begin a conversation with a 13-year-old girl, during which he eventually convinced her to share sexually explicit content with him via the application for his own sexual gratification.
On May 10, Gonzalez coerced the child to go with him to Mosher Park in the village of Ravena, where he, then 27 years old, pushed her to perform oral sex on him in his car. The child was located in the vehicle by a family member, who immediately contacted the Albany County Sheriff’s Office and provided Gonzalez’s identity to investigators.
Sheriff’s worked with the FBI to locate Gonzalez, who was ultimately arrested on May 12 at his home in the city of Albany.
On Monday, the victim spoke about how the incident has left her numb and feeling like her life and innocence have been stolen from her.
“I don't feel comfortable in my body anymore,” she said. “I barely sleep at night because of the night terrors I get. I’ve lost all trust in people.”
Judge Little told the victim he was inspired by her words and how she bravely spoke in front of her attacker.
“I can tell you have been doing a lot of digging and soul searching, and I think you’re much stronger than what you give yourself credit for,” he said. “I know you said you think your life won’t ever be the same, however, based on your courage and how you delivered your words in court today, I do believe that you will be a better and stronger person … and overcome this.”
Gonzalez was issued a no-contact order of protection for the victim and her family and will be required to register with the NYS Sex Offender Registry when he is released.
Assistant District Attorney Alyssa Congdon of the Special Victim’s Unit prosecuted the case.
