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Victor Cruz Garcia, 43, of Kent, was convicted of rape and criminal sexual act, both violent felonies, and endangering the welfare of a child. His two-week trial ended with the conviction on March 13.
Julio Soto, 37, of Brewster, was convicted on March 9 following a six-day jury trial for the rape and sexual assault of an area woman.
On Nov. 1, 2013, Cruz Garcia raped and sexually assaulted a woman while her five-year-old son watched television in another room. When she finally broke free from the violent attack, Cruz Garcia became enraged and threatened to harm her and her family if she contacted police.
Cruz Garcia then threw bottles of alcohol and food at a door, while the woman crouched behind it, comforting her terrified child and attempting to call 911. Kent police officers responded quickly, and were credited with immediately making the victim feel safe enough to disclose the attack.
Cruz Garcia faces 50 years in prison. He will be sentenced on May 13 by Judge James Rooney.
Soto was arrested in January 2013 and charged with rape in the first degree and criminal sex act in the first degree, class B violent felonies; two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree, class D felonies; and rape in the third degree, and criminal sex act in the third degree, both class E felonies. He was also charged with forcible touching, a class A misdemeanor.
The arrest came after the young woman reported the attacks to a counselor. The attacks occurred in Brewster.
Soto remains in custody at the Putnam County Jail. He faces up to 50 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration when he is sentenced April 21 by Judge James Reitz.
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