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Watertown Man Arrested, Charged with Rape of a Child
April 30, 2025
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Watertown, NY – April 30, 2025

A Watertown man has been arrested and charged with second-degree rape following a disturbing allegation involving a minor. Edmund C. Zayas-Marquette, 26, is accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with his underage cousin on March 16, 2025, in the area of the Veteran’s Memorial Walkway on Newell Street.


Veteran’s Memorial Walkway on Newell Street in the City of Watertown.

The Watertown Police Department launched an investigation on April 1 after receiving a referral from the Jefferson County Department of Social Services via the child abuse hotline. Authorities say the alleged victim is a female child, and that Zayas-Marquette's actions qualify as a felony under state law.

He was arraigned in Watertown City Court and remanded to the Metro-Jefferson Public Safety Building. Bail was set at just $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond — a point that has drawn criticism from some legal observers.

Critics of New York’s bail and sentencing laws argue that the state has become increasingly lenient toward serious sexual offenses, including those involving children. Under current state statutes, second-degree rape — while a Class D felony — often results in relatively light penalties, particularly if plea deals are offered. In many cases, defendants may avoid lengthy prison sentences altogether, especially if they have no prior record.


Edmund C. Zayas-Marquette, 26, is accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with his minor cousin

Defense attorneys and reform advocates have long pushed for rehabilitative options and reduced pretrial incarceration. However, victims' rights groups say the pendulum has swung too far in favor of defendants, particularly in crimes involving children. “The fact that someone accused of raping a child can be released on a $5,000 bail is outrageous,” said one local attorney who asked to remain anonymous. “It sends the message that these crimes are not taken seriously enough.”

Despite outrage over some sentencing outcomes, reform efforts aimed at strengthening penalties for sexual offenses against minors have stalled repeatedly in the state legislature. Until then, prosecutors must work within a system that many believe is insufficiently protective of children and too permissive toward offenders.

The case against Zayas-Marquette is ongoing. Authorities have not released the age or other identifying details of the victim. Additional charges may follow pending the outcome of forensic testing and further interviews.


What are you thoughts? Do you believe New York has become to lenient on it's bail and sentencing laws? What can New York State do more to protect our children?

 

Chris O'Neil -- Trash Media Group © 2025

https://www.trashmediagroup.com

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Kyle Michael Matthews, 31
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 Aaron Loomis Rutter, 39
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 Arresting Officer: Hayley E. Maguire

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Billy Joe Barnett-Martin
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Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd Degree
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 Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign
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  Return Court Date: August 12, 2025
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  Officers: Joshua M. O’Hearn, Joseph Giaquinto

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Amanda Lynn Serrano, 42
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Criminal Mischief 4th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
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