IN RE: ANTHONY L. (2025)

Order of disposition, Family Court, Bronx County (Ronna H. Gordon–Galchus, J.), entered on or about December 5, 2024, which adjudicated appellant a juvenile delinquent, upon his admission that he committed an act that, if committed by an adult, would constitute the crime of sexual abuse in the first degree, and placed him on level three probation for a period of 12 months, unanimously affirmed, without costs.

The court providently exercised its discretion in finding that probation was the least restrictive dispositional alternative necessary to meet the needs of appellant and to protect the community (Family Ct Act § 352.2[2][a];  see Matter of Katherine W., 62 N.Y.2d 947, 948, 479 N.Y.S.2d 190, 468 N.E.2d 28 [1984]), particularly in light of appellant's sexual conduct toward a much younger child (see e.g. Matter of Darwin P., 146 A.D.3d 682, 682, 44 N.Y.S.3d 907 [1st Dept. 2017];  Matter of Xavier P., 146 A.D.3d 532, 532, 43 N.Y.S.3d 898 [1st Dept. 2017]).  An adjournment in contemplation of dismissal would not have provided sufficient supervision under these circumstances.