Police have charged an East Austin man with two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, and they say there may be more victims out there.
The sounds of children playing Monday were muffled by shocking news to East Austin neighbors and parents.
"I just don’t see how people just do that to children," said Latisha Toran.
The playground at the Booker T. Washington Apartments in East Austin is in direct view of the apartment where police say Genaro Hernandez, 62, currently lives. He's an accused child predator.
"He went by the name of ‘Candy Man’ or ‘Generator’ and he used to sell candy and pickles to the kids in the neighborhood," said Sgt. Brian Loyd, Austin Police Department.
The allegations stem from 1999 when police say Hernandez lived at the Rosewood Apartments in East Austin.
Two sisters, now ages 13 and 14, recently came forward about being assaulted by Hernandez. Police say the older sister, was the first victim. She was 6-years-old when she went to his apartment to buy candy.
"While she was at his residence, he had her undress and he sexually assaulted her," said Loyd.
Several days later, police say the same thing happened to the girl's 5-year-old sister.
"Its a shock. It really is. He was more to himself always and his wife," said Alma Lara, neighbor.
Hernandez's current neighbors at the Booker T. Washington Apartments were surprised to hear the news.
"He was nice, but you can't trust nobody now these days," said Lara.
"You just never know what’s in people's mind -- no matter how good they are to you," said Toran.
Joshua Peterson lives next door.
"He lives by the park.. Not even 50 feet (away)," Peterson said.
Police say it's common for children to wait years to report crimes like this because of embarrassment or they feel it's their fault.
Investigators hope, if there are more victims out there, they will come forward.
If convicted, Hernandez faces a minimum of 10 years on the first degree felony charges.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment