N.Y. Man Allegedly Raped and Robbed 12-Year-Old Boy He Lured on Dating App: Prosecutors By Nicole Acosta

A New York man is accused of raping and robbing a 12-year-old boy he allegedly lured on a dating app, authorities say.

Marquise Utsey, 34, of Massapequa, was indicted on charges of rape, sexual abuse, robbery, and endangering the welfare of a child on Tuesday, Dec. 23, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office said in a press release.

Prosecutors claim Utsey visited the 12-year-old boy — whom he met on a social networking and dating app — on the evening of Dec. 6 while the child was home alone. There, he allegedly raped the boy before “demanding that the child give him money,” the release states.

“Fearing for his own safety, the victim went into a family member’s bedroom and allegedly gave Utsey the money that he found there,” prosecutors said.

When the boy returned home, he told his parents what had happened. According to prosecutors, the parents then called the police. Utsey was later found and taken into custody.

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“The conduct alleged in this indictment reflects utterly reprehensible behavior and a profound betrayal of basic human decency,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said in the release.

A judge ordered Utsey held on a $1.5 million bond while the case is pending. If convicted as charged, he could face 25 years in prison, per prosecutors. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2026. It’s unclear if he has entered a plea.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.