Coram man, 77, convicting of raping teen, Suffolk DA says

A 77-year-old Coram man awaits sentencing on July 28 after being convicted of raping and abusing a teenage girl from the summer of 2014 until last September, authorities said.

Felix Mora, of Stanton Avenue, was convicted Tuesday in Suffolk County Court in Riverhead of second-degree and third-degree rape, second-degree and third-degree criminal sexual act, second-degree sexual abuse and one count of endangering the welfare of a child, Suffolk District Attorney Thomas Spota announced.

The investigation began after the victim, who was not identified because she is a victim of a sex crime, told a friend about the encounters with Mora, Spota said. Mora was arrested last Sept. 27, and the trial began June 13.

“Mora manipulated this young woman and used intimidation to control her during the years of abuse she endured,” Spota said in a statement, adding that forensic analysis established a DNA link between Mora and the victim.

Sentencing will take place before Judge Barbara Kahn.

Spota said his office will recommend the maximum prison time of 18 years behind bars.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”