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Federal authorities have stepped in after a series of disturbing child sex abuse allegations at a Medford TJ Maxx.
Jimmy Harry Velasquez Gomez, 44, a twice-deported Honduran national and convicted sex offender, is accused of groping girls ages 7, 9 and 11 inside the Medford TJ Maxx in three separate incidents earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced. DHS lists Velasquez Gomez as being “of Medford,” though Suffolk County officials list his residence as Mastic.
ICE lodged an arrest detainer, DHS said, to ensure he does not return to the streets while facing charges of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor and cruelty toward a child.
Local investigators said surveillance video captured Velasquez Gomez touching young girls’ buttocks while they shopped with their families. Victims described being approached while briefly separated from their parents in the store aisles, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said.
Velasquez Gomez has a long criminal history, DHS said, while noting he was first deported in 2005, removed again in 2019, and allegedly reentered the U.S. illegally a third time.
He was arraigned Nov. 14 in Suffolk County Supreme Court on multiple charges, including first- and second-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. Justice Karen M. Wilutis set bail at $350,000 cash, $950,000 bond, or a $3.5 million partially secured bond. His next court date is Jan. 14.
Anyone who believes they or their child may have been victimized is asked to contact Suffolk County Police Special Victims Section at 631.852.6184.
Top: (inset) Jimmy Harry Velasquez Gomez, provided by Homeland Security and (main) via Google Maps street view.
