On May 9, 2007, Sandy Hook rangers responded to a 911 call from a woman who reported being forcibly fondled on Gunnison Beach. Rangers met her in the parking area and learned that her assailant was still on the beach. The description she provided closely matched that of a man who rangers knew from prior contacts and arrests. They found him on the beach, then arrested the man after the woman positively identified him. Investigation revealed an extensive criminal history, including prior state convictions for sex offenses. On December 21st, he pled guilty in federal court to abusive sexual contact (18 USC 2244) and was sentenced to four months in jail followed by six months of home confinement under electronic monitoring, then five years of supervised probation and a concurrent ban from the park. In addition to mandatory mental health, drug, and alcohol counseling, he will now have to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law. Although the man has numerous prior arrests and convictions, this was the first time his sentence included imprisonment.
