70-Year-Old Admits Subjecting Child To Horrific And Repeated Sex Abuse

NEW CITY, NY — A man who repeatedly sexually abused a child will spend a large portion of his remaining years on earth behind bars, according to a plea deal.

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh, II announced that 70-year-old Thomas Kelly, of Chestnut Ridge, pleaded guilty on July 9, in Rockland County Court, to felony course of sexual conduct against a child.

Starting in the summer of 2019, Kelly subjected the girl under the age of 13 years old to continuous sexual abuse in the Village of Chestnut Ridge.

"This defendant subjected a child to repeated sexual abuse and rape," Walsh said. "He betrayed a position of trust and traumatized this child in unimaginable ways. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victim as she moves forward with her recovery. I thank the members of the Town of Ramapo Police Department and my Assistant District Attorneys for their dedication, hard work and support provided to the victim to achieve justice on their behalf."

The investigation was conducted by the Ramapo Police Department with assistance from the Rockland County District Attorney's Office Special Victims Unit.

Kelly is scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 7. He will be sentenced to 12 years in state prison with 10 years of post-release supervision. Prior to his release from prison, a sex offender registration hearing will be held, and he will be required to register as a sex offender.