US airman who raped autistic girl, 12, while stationed on UK RAF base is jailed for six years
A US airman who raped a 12-year-old autistic girl he met on Snapchat while stationed in the UK has been jailed.
Dennis Rocha, 18, was aware of the girl’s young age when he began sending sexually explicit messages.
He then drove the 140 miles from his base at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk to meet the victim in Wiltshire in April this year.
Rocha picked the girl up in his car and drove her to a secluded spot where they had sex multiple times.
He has now been jailed for six years and eight months with a one-year extended licence period for two counts of rape of a child aged under 13.
While speaking to the police, the girl said: “I’m worried I might be pregnant and I won’t find out until next week.”
Her mum told Swindon Crown Court her daughter felt angry with herself after the ordeal.
She said she has difficulty with communication and won’t speak to strangers or even socialise with friends.
Rocha apologised to the family and “anyone else” he hurt in a message via videolink from Bullingdon Prison.
The US Air Force airman added: “I wish this never happened… and I am so sorry, I hope you can forgive me and have mercy upon me.”
As well as a jail sentence, Rocha was handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and must sign the sex offenders’ register on release.
Investigating officer DC Amanda Lord, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “Rocha instigated this encounter with the victim despite knowing she was underage.
“He knew what he was doing was illegal and had ample opportunity to cease contact with the victim, but continued and took advantage of her for his own gain.
“We take offences like these incredibly seriously and we will always look to protect children from predators such as Rocha and ensure perpetrators of sexual offences are put before the courts.
“I’d also like to commend the victim for her bravery and courage in speaking to us.”