Rockland Man Gets 14 Years in Prison for Abusing Child Over 6-Year Period

A Rockland County man who admitted sexually abusing a girl over a six-year period, starting when she was 10, has been sentenced to 14 years in state prison.

Eliyahu Zarifa, 46, of 252-H Kearsing Parkway, Monsey, pleaded guilty in August 2012 to one count of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree, a class “B” Felony. As part of his sentence, he must also serve 10 years on probation when he gets out of prison and he must register as a sex offender.

District Attorney Thomas Zugibe said Zarifa was charged with having sexual intercourse with a girl who is now 17. The victim is known to the Zarifa.

At about the time the victim disclosed the ongoing sexual abuse, Zarifa fled to Israel. He returned shortly after the disclosure and was arrested by detectives of the Spring Valley Police Department.

“The courage and poise displayed by the victim when she first came forward and during sentencing was undeniable," Zugibe said. "In this case, the defendant occupied a position of trust, but chose to violate that responsibility in the most odious way, leaving a young woman physically and emotionally scarred. The lengthy prison sentence meted out by the Court is more than warranted.”