Wyandanch man indicted in sexual abuse case involving 6-year-old girl in his care

The defendant faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count; ICE has lodged a detainer against him

A 22-year-old Wyandanch man faces first-degree rape and related charges for allegedly raping a 6-year-old girl who was in his care, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said.

Nixon Nehemias Marquezmestanza, a Salvadoran national, is accused of using his direct childcare access to the victim to abuse her on multiple occasions in July and August, according to a grand jury indictment.

The girl disclosed the abuse to family members following the last incident in August, and they immediately called police, Tierney said. Marquezmestanza was arrested Aug. 31, following an investigation by the Suffolk Police Special Victims Section.

“This brave young victim told someone, and her family acted on it immediately. That is how these cases come to light,” Tierney said. “I want every family in Suffolk County to know that they can come forward, and our prosecutors and Special Victims Section will be there.

“Protecting children is a core responsibility of this office, and we will see this case through,” he added.

Marquezmestanza was arraigned Tuesday before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen Wilutis on two counts of first-degree rape, along with charges of first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.

He was ordered to be held on $500,000 cash bail, $1.5 million bond, or $5 million partially secured bond. Due back in court on Oct. 29, Marquezmestanza faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged a detainer to take Marquezmestanza into custody following the prosecution of this case.

_{Top: Suffolk DA Raymond Tierney (AP Photo/John Minchillo)}