Two men in New Haven, Connecticut, have been charged with sexually assaulting minors in separate cases that police say involved both in-person contact and online communication.
At a Glance
- Arrests involve two men, aged 34 and 32, in unrelated incidents
- One suspect allegedly groomed a minor over several years via mobile apps
- The other suspect allegedly assaulted a juvenile at a hospital
- Charges include first-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor
- Both suspects have upcoming court appearances on August 27
Incident Details
Police in New Haven announced the arrests of Samuel Sumler, 34, and Segundo Reinaldo Guaranda Gamboy, 32, in two separate investigations involving minors. Authorities said Sumler used a mobile app to meet and groom a juvenile over a multi-year period, during which he is alleged to have engaged in repeated sexual contact. Investigators also allege he attempted to recruit others to engage in similar conduct.
In a separate case, Gamboy allegedly assaulted a juvenile at Yale New Haven Hospital. According to police, he admitted to the offense during questioning. Investigators stated that the two cases are unrelated but were disclosed together due to their similar nature and close timing.
Watch now: 2 arrested in separate New Haven child sex assault cases · WFSB Eyewitness News
https://www.wfsb.com/2025/08/15/2-arrested-separate-new-haven-child-sex-assault-cases
Legal Proceedings
Sumler faces charges including first-degree sexual assault, commercial sexual abuse of a minor, and risk of injury to a minor. His bond was set at $100,000. Gamboy faces first-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor, with his initial $500,000 bond reduced to $250,000 after a court hearing.
Both men are scheduled to appear in New Haven Superior Court on August 27. Prosecutors are expected to pursue custodial sentences if convictions are secured. Police said the arrests are part of ongoing efforts to address crimes against children in the community, with dedicated detectives assigned to such cases.
Community and Institutional Impact
The allegations involving mobile applications have drawn attention to the role of technology in enabling contact between offenders and minors. Law enforcement agencies have reiterated warnings about the importance of monitoring app usage among children and the potential risks posed by online communication with strangers.
The incident at Yale New Haven Hospital has prompted internal reviews of safety measures and access protocols. While officials did not confirm whether the accused was affiliated with the hospital, they noted that safeguarding vulnerable patients remains a priority.
Local advocacy groups are using the cases to call for stronger prevention measures, including community education programs, parent training on digital safety, and expanded law enforcement resources for online monitoring.
Broader Context
Data from the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection show that reports of child sexual assault have remained steady in recent years, with a growing percentage involving initial contact via online platforms. Nationally, federal agencies have warned of a rise in technology-facilitated exploitation, often involving platforms with minimal age verification.
Police have encouraged anyone with information related to the current cases or similar incidents to come forward, emphasizing that early reporting can be critical to protecting minors and securing convictions in court.
Sources
Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
