Fact Check: Suspect Charged with Statutory Rape and Felony Kidnapping of a Minor
What We Know
A 32-year-old man named Joseph A. Rossomando has been charged with multiple serious offenses, including statutory rape and felony kidnapping, after a 15-year-old girl who had been missing for a year was found in his home in High Point, North Carolina. The girl was reported missing from Reading, Pennsylvania, and was located nearly 500 miles away following a tip to the police (source-1). Upon searching Rossomando's residence, law enforcement discovered child sexual abuse material, which further substantiated the charges against him.
Rossomando faces seven counts of statutory sex offense with a child under 15, seven counts of statutory rape of a child under 15, and additional felony charges including trafficking a child victim, sexual servitude of a child victim, and sexual exploitation of a minor (source-1, source-2). The police confirmed that the girl is safe and receiving support services (source-1).
Analysis
The evidence surrounding the charges against Rossomando is substantial. Reports from multiple news outlets confirm that he was found with child sexual abuse material, which is a serious indicator of criminal behavior related to minors (source-1, source-2). The nature of the charges—specifically, statutory rape and kidnapping—indicates that the legal system is treating these allegations with the utmost seriousness.
The sources used in this fact-check are reputable news organizations, including the New York Post and Yahoo News, which provide timely updates on criminal cases. However, it is important to note that while these sources are generally reliable, they may have varying degrees of editorial bias. The New York Post, for instance, is known for sensational headlines, which could influence the framing of the story. Nonetheless, the core facts regarding the charges and the circumstances of the case are consistent across multiple reports, lending credibility to the claim.
Conclusion
The claim that Joseph A. Rossomando has been charged with statutory rape and felony kidnapping of a minor is True. The evidence presented in various news reports confirms that he faces serious charges related to the abduction and sexual exploitation of a 15-year-old girl who had been missing for a year. The corroboration across multiple credible sources reinforces the validity of this claim.
