Crime & Safety

City Man Pleads Guilty to Child Rape

Hector Rodriguez now awaits sentencing for sexually abusing 7-year-old girl in SouthSide.

A Bethlehem man has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a girl on several occasions, beginning when she was 7-years-old, pleaded guilty to his crimes in Northampton County Court, according to The Morning Call.

Hector Rodriguez, 54, of 622 Broadway, pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

His sentencing is scheduled in November, after an assessment is done to determine if Rodriguez is a sexually violent predator. He could be facing up to 24 years in prison.

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The arrest warrant for Rodriguez said he had childcare responsibilities for the girl and would take her from school to his home or her home several days a week. It was during these times that he abused her, in his car, at his house or an attached garage, according to police.

in March after an 11-day manhunt. He remains in Northampton County Prison in lieu of $500,000 bail.

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