On October 22, the Kingston police department arrested Ericq L. Pesante, a 31-year-old resident of Harrison Street in Poughkeepsie. He was charged with felony rape in the second degree and misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child.
The investigation began on September 28, after Kingston police received a report involving a juvenile female who had been involved in a sexual relationship with an adult male. The case was referred to the Detective Division, prompting an immediate investigation.
Detectives identified Pesante as a suspect. In the early morning hours of October 22, he returned to Kingston and met again with the juvenile. Officers were alerted and located both individuals shortly after. During an interview, Pesante admitted to being in a sexual relationship with the minor. He was taken into custody and formally charged.
Following his arrest, Pesante was arraigned in Kingston city court and remanded to the Ulster County Jail. He later posted bail and is scheduled to appear again in court at a future date.
Anyone with additional information or who believes they may have been victimized is encouraged to contact the KPD at (845) 331-8404 or detective Michael DeFrance via email at mdefrance@kingston-ny.gov.
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