QUEENS, NY – James Villarruel, a 32-year-old resident of 270th Street, New Hyde Park, was arraigned on numerous charges for his alleged involvement in obscene sexual misconduct involving two underage girls.
The Queens District Attorney’s Office reported that Villarruel engaged in an obscene sexual act with a 14-year-old and attempted to bribe a 12-year-old to photograph him, all in a single afternoon in Flushing.
The charges against Villarruel include promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child, promoting a sexual performance by a child, felony luring a child, and patronizing a person for prostitution in the second degree, among others. The incident took place on June 15, when Villarruel followed a 12-year-old girl from her middle school and made indecent proposals.
Around 20 minutes later, he approached a 14-year-old, introduced himself as John, and requested photos of himself in exchange for money.
He conducted further inappropriate actions with the girl in an isolated area of Kissena Park. Queens Criminal Court Judge Maria Gonzalez ordered Villarruel to return to court on June 30. If convicted, he could face up to 8 years in prison.