Rockland Post Desk
A Suffern man was sentenced to 14 years in state prison after pleading guilty to raping an 11-year-old girl he met online, according to Rockland County prosecutors.
Wilmer Loja Aroca, 20, of Suffern, pleaded guilty to first-degree rape following an investigation by local law enforcement, said Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh II.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Loja Aroca met the victim while playing Fortnite, an online video game popular with children and teenagers. Prosecutors said he later communicated with the girl through Snapchat, where the interaction escalated before the sexual assault occurred.
Walsh said cases like this remain a serious concern for law enforcement and families, particularly as online platforms continue to expose minors to risks.
“We are seeing too many situations where adults use online games and social media platforms to gain access to minors,” Walsh said. “These crimes cause lasting harm.”
Some local residents and community members have also expressed growing concern that serious crimes involving children appear to be occurring more frequently in recent years, coinciding with broader debates over border security, immigration enforcement, and public safety. Officials, however, caution that each case is investigated individually, and immigration status is not typically discussed unless it is directly relevant and confirmed by authorities.
No information regarding the defendant’s immigration status was released by prosecutors or included in court records.
Officials said the case serves as another reminder for parents and guardians to closely monitor children’s online activity, including gaming platforms and apps that allow private messaging.
No additional details about the victim were released in order to protect her identity. A booking photograph was not available at press time.