By Bill Parry
An East Elmhurst man was arrested and charged last week with allegedly groping two young girls in two separate incidents in Corona this month.
Noe Angel Sorriano Cruz, 38, was arraigned before Queens Criminal Court Judge Danielle Hartman on a criminal complaint, charging him with first degree sexual abuse, forcible touching and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, according to the Queens district attorney’s office.
Sorriano Cruz allegedly followed a 10-year-old girl Oct. 3 into a bodega on 104th Street, approached her and grabbed her privates, according to the criminal charges. He struck again Oct. 9, as he followed a 13-year-old girl for several blocks along Junction Avenue, approached her from behind and grabbed her groin before fleeing, according to the charges.
If convicted, Sorriano Cruz faces up to seven years in prison.
“The defendant in this case terrorized these innocent girls by following them first and then allegedly sexually assaulting them,” Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said. “Let this be a constant warning to parents and all women — even pre-teens — to be mindful of their surroundings at all times. The defendant faces prison time if found guilty.”
Hartman set bail at $250,000 and ordered Sorriano Cruz to return to court Nov. 2.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
