Bronx Man Indicted on Multiple Charges After Alleged Assault on 13-Year-Old Boy

1

Bronx, NY – Ishmael Francis, a 29-year-old Bronx resident, was charged with felony charges that included two counts each of second-degree and third-degree Rape, following an incident that occurred on the night of September 18, 2024. The charges include Sexual Misconduct, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and fourth-degree Grand Theft.

According to District Attorney Clark, Francis allegedly had an online conversation with a 13-year-old boy that led to a physical confrontation and is accused of assaulting the boy in a stairwell after waiting for the boy to leave his home to take out the trash. . It was stated that the incident occurred around 23:00. Following the attack, Francis allegedly stole the victim’s mobile phone and fled when the child’s family started looking for him.

The victim immediately returned to his home and the family called 911. He was then taken to New York Health + Hospitals Jacobi for treatment. The perpetrator was identified through digital communication and arrested on September 24, 2024.

Francis was granted permanent Probation during today’s hearing by Bronx Supreme Court Judge Shari Michels and is scheduled to return to court on January 7, 2025.

“This defendant is accused of heinous acts against a child who has suffered so much,” said District Attorney Clark. “We are committed to achieving justice for this young victim and providing all the support necessary to help him recover from this trauma.”

This case raised widespread concerns about the online safety of minors, prompting local authorities to review and possibly improve protective measures for children in digital spaces. Community leaders called for increased awareness and preventative education about protecting children online.