Massapequa man charged with raping, robbing boy, 12, Suffolk DA says

A Massapequa man was indicted on charges of raping and robbing a 12-year-old boy he met through a social media and dating app, Suffolk County prosecutors said.

The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office said Marquise Utsey, 34, went to the boy’s home on Dec. 6 while his parents were not home. Utsey is charged with raping the boy in the home and then ordering him to give him money that he found in a family member’s room.

The boy told his parents what happened when they got home, prosecutors said. Suffolk County police arrested Utsey six days later, according to court records.

Authorities did not say where the alleged crimes took place or name the social media app in question.

"The conduct alleged in this indictment reflects utterly reprehensible behavior and a profound betrayal of basic human decency," Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said in a statement. "The defendant was a complete stranger who allegedly used a mobile app to gain access to a child for his own sick benefit. Our office will hold anyone who exploits technology to prey on children fully accountable."

Utsey pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a grand jury’s indictment on two counts of rape, two counts of sexual abuse, one count of robbery and a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a child.

Judge Karen M. Wilutis ordered Utsey held on $750,000 cash bail or $1.5 million bond.

Utsey’s court-appointed attorney through Legal Aid could not be reached for comment.

If convicted, Utsey faces up to 25 years in prison. He is scheduled to return to court Feb. 3 for his next hearing.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.