Plea In Sub Shop Rape Case: Rockland DA

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh announced the plea of guilty by a Paterson, New Jersey man to one count of rape in the third degree.

On Wednesday, Jonathan Valencia, 37, of Paterson, New Jersey pleaded guilty in the Rockland County Court to one count of rape in the third degree before the Honorable Larry J. Schwartz.

Valencia is expected to be sentenced on Feb. 7 to 18 months in state prison.

The charge plea stems from a 2019 incident that took place at a sub shop. Beginning in December of 2019, Valencia abused an underage employee that he supervised at Jersey Mike’s Subs.

He will be required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act upon his release from prison.

"Today’s plea ensures that the victim is not further traumatized by having to live through a lengthy trial process. It is reprehensible to think that those charged with the supervision of underage workers would violate their responsibility by committing this heinous act," Walsh said.

This case was investigated by the Clarkstown Police Department, with the assistance of the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Supervising Assistant District Attorney Stefanie Schera.