New York Man Convicted in Child Sex Abuse Case

 By Alicia Cruz
The Black Urban Times

In a case described by Rockland County District Attorney, Thomas Zugibe as a betrayal of trust, a Westchester County Jury returned a guilty verdict against a South Nyack man on trial for sexually abusing a four-year-old girl.

Following the trial, which began May 14, 2012, jurors spent eight hours deliberating the fate of Todd Retallack. The 49-year-old was found guilty of one count of First Degree Sexual Abuse (a class “D” Felony) and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (a class “A” Misdemeanor).

"Children should be able to remain children," said Zugibe, who added that the defendant had betrayed the trust of the child and her family.

Prosecutors said that in the fall of 2009 Retallack, a former Church youth leader, began sexually abusing the child at his home while being entrusted to baby-sit. The District Attorney said Retallack's crime calls for a prison sentence that would not only punish the defendant, but also send a strong warning to offenders who prey upon children.

"No child should be put in that position. The jury in this case heard the evidence in the case, which rested largely on the testimony of the now-seven-year-old victim,” said Zugibe.

Retallack's sentencing is set for September 11. He faces two to seven years in prison.