SHARE

Long Island Sex Offender Convicted Of Rape Accused Of Following Minor From Bus

A convicted sex offender is back behind bars after allegedly following a student from a school bus stop while repeatedly engaging the minor in intimidating conversation, police said.

Jose A. Rodriguez

Jose A. Rodriguez

Photo Credit: Long Beach Police Department

Jose A. Rodriguez, 49, who is homeless, was arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 6, following the incident, said the Long Beach Police Department.

Rodriguez is a registered Level III sex offender who was formerly convicted of first-degree rape by forcible compulsion, the department said.

"A Level 3 sex offender is the most serious sex offender designation considered by the state as having a high risk of repeat offense and a threat to public safety exists," the department said.

Rodriguez was charged after allegedly following a minor from a school bus stop to the minor’s residence, repeatedly engaging in conversation, intimidating and pressuring the minor. 

He then allegedly attempted to make contact with the minor several times, the department said.

 “When the initial report came in, we immediately recognized the modus operandi and description of the subject," Det. Lt. Stefan Chernaski said "The subject was apprehended by Det. Thomas Rourke 15 minutes after he was positively identified."

Rodriguez had been arrested by Long Beach Police twice in 2004 for endangering the welfare of a child and stalking and was convicted.

Rodriguez was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and remanded to the custody of the Nassau County Sheriff.

“With the impending bail reforms taking effect January 1st, this set of circumstances would have required this defendant to be released by police after processing with no bail being required," Lt. Richard DePalma pointed out "Additionally, if Court was in session at the time of arrest, the City Court Judge would have been powerless to remand or impose any bail on this defendant.”

The department also reminded residents to check the state Sex Offender Registry to know if any sexual offenders reside in their area.

to follow Daily Voice Suffolk and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE