Connecticut man pleads guilty to attempted rape of 13-year-old in Putnam County

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Francisco Gomez, 21, of Connecticut, has pleaded guilty to attempted rape of a 13-year-old girl. According to the Putnam County District Attorney, Gomez believed he was driving to Putnam County to have sexual intercourse with the victim but instead was caught by officers, who set the trap after the victim's mother discovered and reported the messages. Gomez was arrested on April 3 in a collaborative effort by investigators from Putnam County, Rockland County and Homeland Security. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 11 to three years in state prison, followed by five years with supervision. Gomez will also be registered as a sex offender. The case prosecutor, Chana Krauss, reminded parents to be vigilant and to monitor the minor’s social media. “There are predators lurking online, grooming young children in an attempt to engage in sexual activity with them or to threaten them into sending sexually explicit videos,” said Krauss, “It’s better to have your son or daughter mad at you for being overprotective than risking the dangers sexual predators pose to your kids.” Gomez used social media to try to entice the minor into sexual activity. The child's mother discovered the messages and alerted authorities. "