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Spring Valley Man, 19, Sentenced For Repeatedly Raping 5-Year-Old Girl

ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. -- A Spring Valley man was sentenced to 36 years to life in state prison Tuesday for the repeated rape of a 5-year-old girl, according to the Rockland County District Attorney's Office.

Luiz Acevedo-Lopez, 19

Luiz Acevedo-Lopez, 19

Photo Credit: Rockland County District Attorney's Office

Luiz Acevedo-Lopez, 19, was convicted in December on numerous charges for repeatedly sexually abusing the small child, the DA's office said. 

The abuse took place from Jan. 1, 2016, to March 31, 2016, in Spring Valley, said the DA's office.

“The defendant was a friend of the family of the victim and he used that friendship to take advantage of an innocent child for his own sexual gratification,” said District Attorney Thomas Zugibe. “The lengthy sentence imposed by the court ensures that this predator will spend several decades in state prison, where he will not victimize any other children.”

Acevedo-Lopez was found guilty of predatory sexual assault against a child, first-degree rape, first-degree criminal sexual act, and two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

Trial testimony included that of the victim, who is now six-years-old. The jury was also shown the defendant’s videotaped statement to Spring Valley detectives. The testimony of the child was supported by Lily, the Special Victims Unit therapy dog, which escorted the girl to the courtroom.

Zugibe praised the victims’ strength and the support from members of the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit. 

“The victim demonstrated incredible courage by coming forward and testifying truthfully to the horrific things the defendant did to her over several months,” Zugibe said.

Supervising Assistant District Attorney Jennifer S. Parietti and former Senior Assistant District Attorney John W. McGowan prosecuted the case.

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