THREE ARRESTED FOR SEX WITH A MINOR

Southampton Town Police arrested three men from Hampton Bays and Flanders last week for allegedly having sexual relations with a 15 year old girl from the Bronx.  A woman from the Bronx reported that while visiting relatives in the Hampton Bays area her 15 year old daughter was sexually involved with three different men between the ages of 20 and 23.  On November 26, 2004, police said, the girl met with Jose DeJesus Mendez, 23, of Flanders and he engaged her in sexual intercourse on that day and again the next day.  On February 19 of this year, police said, Jose Nelson Gonzalez, 20, of Hampton Bays met with the girl when she was again visiting relatives and allegedly engaged her in sexual intercourse.  The following day, Jose Lucio Blanco, 22, of Flanders, also had sexual intercourse with the girl.

The three men was arrested on March 10.  Mendez is charged with two counts of rape in the third degree and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.  Blanco is charged with one count of rape in the third degree and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.  Gonzalez is charged with sexual misconduct and endangering the welfare of a child.  According to Southampton Police, Gonzalez' charge was lower because New York State penal law lessens the charge due to the age difference.  

(New York)