Putnam Man Accused Of Rape After Affair With Girl

SOUTHEAST, NY — A Southeast resident is accused of rape over an affair with a girl who was under 15 when it started. Troopers were alerted by the mother of the victim, who they said became aware a man in his 20s was having a relationship with her child.

New York State Police arrested Marco Jacinto Mendez Nov. 13. The 25-year-old is charged with rape in the 2nd degree, Promotion of a Sexual Performance by a Child, and Rape in the 3rd degree, all felonies.

Investigation discovered Jacinto Mendez had unlawful sexual contact with the child over a time period when the victim was both under 15 and under 17 years old.

Investigators said they also found unlawful images of the child performing sexual acts stored on Jacinto Mendez’s cellular device.

Jacinto Mendez was arraigned before the town of Patterson Court, and sent to the Putnam County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond. Jacinto Mendez is next scheduled to appear before the village of Brewster Court on Nov. 19.