A city man was arrested at his Montgomery Street home Tuesday morning on charges of predatory sexual assault against a child, a felony.
On April 15, Gloversville police began investigating a reported sex offense involving Robert Zea, Jr., 32, and a child under the age of 13. Police learned that Zea had allegedly participated in repeated sexual acts with the child between January 2007 and December 2010.
“This was brought to our attention through Montgomery County Child Protective Services,” said Capt. John Sira of Gloversville police. “The child resides in Montgomery County but he had contact with her here in Gloversville.”
A grand jury sealed indictment warrant was issued for Zea, whom police found at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday hiding in his basement at 10 Montgomery St.
His wife, Stephanie Zea, 28, was arrested and charged with hindering prosecution in the first degree, a felony, for helping Robert Zea hide in an attempt to avoid arrest, Sira said.
“Sometimes a guilty conscience is worse than anything else,” Sira said. “I don’t believe he knew that we were on our way. But I think he knew that something was going on and he was going to be looked at for this.”
The charge of predatory sexual assault against a child is brought when a person 18 years or older commits rape, criminal sexual act, aggravated sexual abuse, or course of sexual conduct against a child less than 13, according to state law.
Robert Zea was arraigned in Fulton County Court and sent to Fulton County Jail without bail. Stephanie Zea was arraigned in City Court and released on unsecured bail.
Zea’s Montgomery Street residence is less than two miles from Park Terrace School and Gloversville middle and high schools.
Categories: Schenectady County
