Man Accused In Dutchess County Of Having Sex With Pre-Teen Child

WAPPINGER, NY — A 51-year-old man was arrested by the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office for allegedly engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a child. Raul M. Plaza, 51, was taken into custody May 3 after a month-long investigation conducted by the Dutchess County Child Advocacy Center with the assistance of the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office.

Plaza was charged with predatory sexual assault against a child, a felony, and is accused of allegdly engaging in a continual course of sexual contact with a child less than 13, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff’s Office said that in order to protect the victim’s privacy no further details about the victim, the defendant or the facts of the case will be released at this time.

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After being processed, Plaza was arraigned in the Town of Wappinger Court and sent to the Dutchess County Jail without bail.

He is due to reappear in court May 8.

The Sheriff's Office said if anyone has information about this case or similar incidents involving Mr. Plaza, they are urged to contact the Child Advocacy Center at 845-486-3778, and ask for Deputy Sheriff Ben Sistarenik. Anyone with information may also contact the Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at 845-486-3820, or the tipline at 845-605-2583 or dcsotips@gmail.com. All information will be kept confidential.

Photo caption: Raul M. Plaza. Photo credit: Dutchess County Sheriff's Office.