Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

A 38-year-old man was arrested last week for charges relating to his alleged sexual contact with an 8-year-old on more than one occasion between 2004 and 2006.

Aristides Rojas was taken into custody on March 9, 2010 and released on March 16 under the supervision of Probation. He lists 520 McGee Road, Hogansburg as his address. However, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe said Rojas is not a tribal member.

According to the St. Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office, the defendant requested in court that he be released without bail. Despite a recommendation from Probation that Rojas be held in custody, a judge released him without bail and ordered him not to leave Franklin County, his listed county of residence. He will be subject to a curfew and drug testing, the D.A. Office said.

The alleged sexual acts are said to have taken place in St. Lawrence County. Rojas is charged with 1st degree sexual conduct against a child and endangering the welfare of a child.

Tribal Chief Monica Jacobs said that Rojas is considered an “undesirable in the territory” and can be served with exclusion papers that will require him to leave.

A conference between attorneys in the case will take place on March 26. No other court information was available.