Rockland County prosecutors blasted a plea deal after defendant admitted to predatory assault and rape charges
NEW CITY, N.Y. — A Sullivan County man admitted in court to sexually abusing a child for years beginning when the victim was just 6 years old, according to Rockland County prosecutors who said they opposed the prison sentence promised in the plea agreement.
Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced that 34-year-old Joel Deutsch pleaded guilty Thursday to the entire indictment against him.
According to prosecutors, Deutsch admitted to one count of predatory sexual assault of a child, one count of course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree, and one count of second-degree rape.
Authorities said the abuse occurred between 2017 and 2024 in the Village of Wesley Hills.
Prosecutors alleged Deutsch sexually abused a female child between the ages of 6 and 14 through physical touching, vaginal intercourse, and oral sexual contact.
Investigators said Deutsch was arrested July 15, 2025, following an investigation conducted by the New York State Police Sullivan County Child Abuse Unit.
District Attorney Walsh said prosecutors pushed for the maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.
However, according to the district attorney’s office, Judge Kevin F. Russo promised Deutsch the minimum sentence of 10 years to life tied to the top charge of predatory sexual assault of a child.
Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 26.
Authorities said Deutsch will be required to register as a sex offender following his release from prison.
“My Office strongly objected the sentence imposed yesterday as it did not reflect the gravity of the defendant’s actions,” Walsh said in a statement released Friday.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Kaitlin DeLuca.
Key Points
- A Sullivan County man pleaded guilty to predatory sexual assault of a child and rape charges
- Prosecutors said the abuse spanned from 2017 through 2024 in Wesley Hills
- The defendant faces a promised sentence of 10 years to life in prison
