Guilford Man Charged With Sexual Assault, Risk Of Injury To Minor: PD

GUILFORD, CT — A 60-year-old Guilford man is facing additional charges in connection with a meetup police say he had with a minor in February 2024.

John Degennaro was arrested on Monday on a warrant that charges him with three counts of second-degree sexual assault and one count of risk of injury to a minor, Guilford police said in a news release. He was released on a $150,000 court-set bond.

"The arrest is part of an investigation launched in February 2024, prompted by a referral from the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and involved collaboration with multiple state and local agencies," police said.

Degennaro was originally arrested in March 2024 and charged with risk of injury to a minor and enticing a minor.

Police said an investigation found that the juvenile victim, who lives outside of Guilford, "was introduced to Degennaro via a widely used social media platform."

Following online communications, police said Degennaro transported the minor to Guilford on two occasions in February 2024 for overnight stays.

"During these visits, it is alleged that Degennaro engaged in sexual activity with the juvenile," police said.

Since Degennaro's first arrest last year, police said they have maintained a close collaboration with Guilford Public Schools to prioritize student safety, "including the ongoing assignment of a School Resource Officer to the adjacent school."

Police urged parents to educate their children about the dangers of online interactions.

"Warning signs such as unusual behavior, unexplained items, or discrepancies in a child’s whereabouts should prompt immediate conversation," police said. "To further support parents in safeguarding their children in the digital environment, the Guilford Police Department hosts an Internet Safety for Parents Presentation biannually, held in the spring and fall at the Guilford Community Center. This initiative aims to equip parents with up-to-date knowledge on emerging trends and critical internet safety issues."

Dates and times for the presentations will be posted on the department's Facebook page.

Police also thanked their investigative partners, such as the Ansonia/Milford State’s Attorney’s Office, New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, DCF, and other local agencies, for bringing the case to a resolution.