Waterbury Man Charged in Rape of Sleeping 10-Year-Old

Police have arrested the man accused of crawling through the bedroom window of a home in downtown Meriden and raping a 10-year-old girl while she was sleeping.

Jose Gonzalez, formerly known as Desmond James, 23, was arrested Friday evening in Waterbury, where he lives. Police said he ran from officers and was found with "several bundles" of heroin.

According to police, Gonzalez climbed through the girl's bedroom window early Wednesday morning. As Gonzalez was leaving, the victim woke up the rest of her family. Her mother caught a glimpse of him just and was able to provide a partial description to police.

Gonzalez was charged with home invasion, first-degree sexual assault, risk of injury to a minor, unlawful restraint and threatening.

"One word: Child. Anytime there's a child involved, and this was a young ten-year-old girl, everyone drops everything. And this becomes the priority," Meriden Det. Lt. Mark Walerysiak said.

He was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for escaping from the Connecticut Department of Correction's Parole Division, according to police.

Meriden police have not disclosed whether Gonzalez knew the family prior to the assault. In an effort to protect the victim, authorities have not released the location of the home.

Police said DNA evidence taken from the victim helped them identify Gonzalez as the perpetrator.

Court records show Desmond James has been previously convicted on burglary and robbery charges out of Meriden in 2011 and 2012.

He was held on $1 million bond following his arrest Friday and is due in court Oct. 20.

Contact Us