NY Teacher Guilty of Rape of Boy

(New Windsor, New York) In June 2007, a 28-year-old teacher, Rebecca L. Becker, and a teacher's aide, Maria E. Zurita, same age, at McQuade Children's Services in New Windsor were charged with sex crimes after an alleged Memorial Day weekend of sexual encounters with two 16-year-old male students. An investigation was launched when the two boys failed to return to the school after the weekend.

Both Becker and Zunita were booked on counts of rape and child endangerment.

Last Friday, Rebecca Becker, now 29, pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in Orange County Court.

Becker's lawyer, John Ingrassia, said Becker was confronted by overwhelming evidence, including her own statement to New Windsor police and grand jury testimony from the boy.

Becker will face a possible six-month jail term and 10 years of probation when sentenced on November 30th.

The same deal was offered by the prosecution to Zunita. So far, she hasn't accepted. Zunita has a court appearance scheduled for November 1st. If she decides to go to trial and is convicted, a much stiffer sentence is possible.


[Update 02/05/08]

Marie Zurita, 29, trial now underway.


[Update 05/10/08]

Zurita convicted and sentenced to jail.


[Update 05/21/08]

Becker sentenced.