People v. Jony
This case is an appeal from an order designating the defendant, Hassan M. Jony, as a level two sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA). The Supreme Court, Queens County, assessed 85 points, including 20 points under risk factor 7 for establishing a relationship with the victim for the primary purpose of victimization, and denied a downward departure. Jony challenged both the risk factor 7 assessment and the denial of a downward departure. The Appellate Division, Second Department, affirmed the order, finding clear and convincing evidence that Jony groomed the 13 to 14-year-old complainant through sexually explicit communications after meeting her through her uncle. The court concluded that the facts distinguished the case from People v Cook and upheld the denial of downward departure due to the significant age disparity.