Computer used to facilitate alleged sex crime in Oneida County

Hartford man also accused of sexual assault, child enticement

STAR JOURNAL REPORT

A $25,000 cash bond has been set in Oneida County Circuit Court for a Hartford man accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old town of Hazelhurst girl he contacted with a computer.

Robert H. Weiss, 52, faces felony counts of sexually assaulting a child under age 16, using a computer to facilitate a child sex crime and child enticement. Upon conviction, those charges carry a combined possible maximum penalty of 65 years of initial confinement in prison, followed by 40 years of extended supervision, and/or fines totaling $300,000.

According to court records, the girl, who allegedly was assaulted at her residence the morning of Oct. 10, reported communicating with a male subject online and setting up a meeting at her house. She also stated that there was an agreement to engage in sexual activity with this subject who identified himself as “Keegan,” whom she advised in a computer message she was 14 years old.

After calling him when he was in the area and informing him he could come to the residence, she said approximately 2 minutes later a white male showed up at her door and let himself in, according to a sheriff’s department report. The report further alleges sexual contact the subject is accused of having with the girl.

The subject, who then was asked by the girl to leave, also allegedly admitted having lied about his age, having stated to her he was in his thirties.

The girl’s mother reported finding out about the alleged incident and sent a text message to the number the girl reported calling, after which an exchange of messages took place with the admission the subject came to their house. The messages stated his intent was to drop off a pregnancy test and, upon finding her to be very young, told her to be careful and left, according to the report.

A subpoena the sheriff’s department obtained from Judge Michael H. Bloom traced a cell phone number used to contact the girl to Weiss.

Weiss, who remains in custody, is scheduled back in court Nov. 9 for a preliminary hearing.