US Court Record Details Sex Crime Case Behind SORA Risk-Level Appeal

 

Background of the Case and SORA Appeal

Court records show that a defendant with residences in Palm Beach, Florida, and New York’s Upper East Side is appealing a Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) risk-level designation in New York. The designation is tied to criminal conduct that took place at the defendant’s Palm Beach home and is now under review through the appeals process.

Police Investigation Into Allegations

According to court documents, the investigation began in March 2005 after a 14-year-old girl and her family reported sexual misconduct to Palm Beach police. Authorities conducted a months-long probe involving multiple interviews and surveillance. A detailed probable-cause affidavit outlined allegations that underage girls were recruited and paid to visit the residence, where sexual acts occurred under the pretext of massage sessions.

Investigators reported that payments ranged from hundreds to over a thousand dollars depending on the acts involved. The affidavit described repeated encounters and assistance from accomplices who helped arrange visits.

Charges, Guilty Plea and Sentencing

In 2006, prosecutors filed felony solicitation charges. Additional charges related to procuring a minor for prostitution were later added. In June 2008, the defendant pleaded guilty to both counts. The court sentenced him to consecutive jail terms totaling 18 months, followed by a year of community control supervision. The SORA classification that followed the conviction is now the subject of the current appeal.