Man accused of sexually abusing child

LITTLE VALLEY, N.Y. (WIVB) - A man on the southern tier is accused of sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl.

36-year-old Dusk Tocha is charged with sexually abusing a young girl for six years.

Cattaraugus County Undersheriff William Nichols said, "Any crime against a child like this, we do not take it lightly. These are horrible crimes against children and we investigate them to the fullest."

In a statement given to authorities, obtained through a News 4 freedom of information request, Tocha admits having multiple sexual encounters with the girl.

Cattaraugus County District Attorney Lori Rieman said, "The damage done to a child from this type of situation, if the allegations are proven true, are just devastating."

Rieman added, "We intend to prosecute this and seek justice as fully as possible. It's a very serious situation."

Kathy Clark, who says she dated Dusk Tocha in high school, said he presented a normal image to society. He has his own woodworking business, and worked at The Ellicottville Depot Restaurant, and the Gin Mill in Ellicottville, for periods of time, in the kitchen.

"He plays in a band, played in a band, I should say, and just normal. You would never suspect anything. To talk to him, you would never...just normal," said Clark.

Tocha is being held on $250,000 bail in the jail in Little Valley. Rieman says the case will be presented to a grand jury and more charges may be filed.