SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY — On October 23, 2026, Sullivan County District Attorney Brian P. Conaty announced that Luis Romero Arriaza, 38, of Honduras, was convicted of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child, a Class A-II Felony, and Rape in the Third Degree, a Class D Felony, by a Sullivan County Jury following a four-day trial.

These two convictions established that the defendant began sexually abusing the victim in Honduras while she was just eleven years old.  The victim and the defendant moved to South Fallsburg, NY, and were living together in the same home.  After moving to South Fallsburg, the defendant continued to sexually abuse the victim.  During this time, the defendant continued to engage in these despicable acts with the victim from the time she was twelve until she reached the age of seventeen. 

Despite repeated threats from the defendant not to disclose the abuse, the victim courageously reported his appalling actions to her mother.  The victim and her mother reported the conduct to the Village of Monticello Police Department. During the investigation, the Village of Monticello Police Department involved the Town of Fallsburg Police Department, the Sullivan County Child Advocacy Center and the Family Violence Response Team, who worked collaboratively to thoroughly investigate the allegations that resulted in the filing of criminal charges and now his convictions.

This case was prosecuted at trial by Assistant District Attorney James McGlashin and Executive Assistant District Attorney Jenna Hastings while the defendant was represented by Henri Shawn, Esq. The Honorable James R. Farrell presided over the four-day trial. 

Conaty said: “I am proud of the victim in this case for bravely coming forward to expose the truth about the defendant’s vile conduct.  I know how retraumatizing the criminal process can be on victims and their families.  I am glad that the victim was resolved to seek and obtain justice despite these obstacles.  I want the victims of sexual abuse to know that this office treats these crimes seriously and will take diligent care to ensure that justice is done.  I thank the Village of Monticello Police Department, Town of Fallsburg Police Department, Child Advocacy Center and Family Violence Response Team for their exceptional investigation.”