A 51-year-old man employed at Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch in Riverhead has been arrested on rape and other charges for having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old resident there.
Manuel Roias of Miller Place, had sexual intercourse with the girl over the course of several months beginning in March 2023, Riverhead Police said in a press release. The incidents took place both on and off campus, police said.
Roias was charged with two counts of Rape in the Third Degree under NY Penal Law §130.25 (1), which defines rape in the third degree as “engages in sexual intercourse with another person who is
incapable of consent by reason of some factor other than being less than seventeen years old.” Rape in the Third Degree is a Class E felony.
Roias was also charged with two counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the Third degree, also a class E felony, as well as four counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class A misdemeanor.
Roias was processed and held for arraignment at the Riverhead Justice Court, police said.
Any witnesses or additional victims are urged to contact the Riverhead Police Department at 631-727-4500. All calls will be kept confidential, police said.
Editor’s note: A criminal charge is an accusation. A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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