WHITE PLAINS, NY, July 7, 2010 -- Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced that Cesar Joel Sagastume- Morales (DOB 02/05/79) formerly of 126 Babbitt Road, Bedford, New York was sentenced yesterday to eight years in state prison and ten years post release supervision on his guilty plea to:
• one count of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree, a class “B” Felony.
Over a ten month period month period, from approximately September 1, 2005 to June 30th, 2006, the defendant engaged in a course of sexual conduct with a nine year old child.
Over a ten month period month period, from approximately September 1, 2005 to June 30th, 2006, the defendant engaged in a course of sexual conduct with a nine year old child.
The defendant was last seen in Bedford in August, 2006.
The defendant left the area in his truck, which was recovered in the Bronx.
Police suspected that the defendant could have been in New York City, southern New Jersey or Prince George's County, Maryland, where he had relatives and friends.
It was later determined that the defendant fled to his native Guatemala.
Guatemalan authorities were contacted and located the defendant in that country.
“This case was a prime example of how law enforcement at all levels can work together to achieve their common goal – an arrest, conviction and prison sentence for the offender,” said District Attorney Janet DiFiore after the sentencing. “After learning that the defendant had fled to Guatemala, detectives from the Bedford Police Department continued to work on the case along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States State Department and District Attorney’s office. Because of their persistence, they were able to secure the defendant’s extradition, one of a very few not related to narcotics trafficking, leading to today’s sentencing.”
Upon satisfaction of his sentence, the defendant will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registry Act, commonly known as Megan’s Law.
Assistant District Attorney Laura Murphy prosecuted the case.
