A US soldier has been jailed for raping a British schoolgirl after sending sexual messages to her over social media from his base in Suffolk.
Dennis Rocha, 18, drove 140 miles from his base at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk to meet up with the schoolgirl, aged just 12 at the time.
Swindon Crown Court heard Rocha added the victim on Snapchat on April 8 and, despite knowing the victim was underage, turned the conversation sexual before arranging to pick her up in Wiltshire the following day.
He raped the girl in his car with the victim telling her mother, who reported it to the police. Rocha was arrested, charged and remanded in custody.
Investigating officer DC Amanda Lord, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “Rocha instigated this encounter with the victim despite knowing she was underage.
“He knew what he was doing was illegal and had ample opportunity to cease contact with the victim, but continued and took advantage of her for his own gain.
“We take offences like these incredibly seriously and we will always look to protect children from predators such as Rocha and ensure perpetrators of sexual offences are put before the courts.
“I’d also like to commend the victim for her bravery and courage in speaking to us.”
He pleaded guilty to two counts of raping a child under 13 and was given a sentence of six years and eight months today.
A one-year licence extension period was also imposed, and Rocha will also be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and must sign the sex offenders’ register on release.
- Anyone who has been a victim of child abuse or a sexual offence is encouraged to contact Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
