A Mays Landing man has been convicted of sexually abusing a girl over a two-year span, following a jury trial that concluded Friday. Emmanuel Rodriguez, 34, was found guilty on May 8 of aggravated sexual assault of a child, sexual assault of a child and endangering the welfare of a child. Prosecutors said the abuse started when the victim was 9 years old and continued until she was 11. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 13.
According to NBC10 Philadelphia, Hamilton Township police first received a report on Jan. 1, 2023. Investigators told jurors that Rodriguez groomed the girl online with sexually explicit conversations and photographs, then arranged multiple "dates" starting when she was 9. The abuse continued over the next two years, and he now faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years to life in prison, lifetime parole supervision and registration under Megan’s Law, according to the report.
Prosecutors' Account and Recorded Apology
During the trial, prosecutors played a recorded phone call in which Rodriguez apologized to the child’s mother. He told her he was "already seeking help" and admitted that he "knew he was wrong," according to NBC10 Philadelphia. Jurors also heard details of the online messages and meetings that prosecutors said were used to groom the child over time.
Online Grooming an Escalating Threat
Cases like this have put a spotlight on how quickly online grooming can move from screens to real life. Predators increasingly use chats, images and private messaging to gain a child’s trust before arranging in-person contact. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reported more than 546,000 online enticement reports in 2024, underscoring how digital platforms can be exploited to facilitate grooming and sexual exploitation.
Where Survivors Can Find Help
Support is available for anyone affected by sexual abuse. The National Sexual Assault Hotline offers confidential help at 800-656-4673 and online via RAINN. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. People with information related to this or similar cases are urged to contact local law enforcement.
