The People of the State of New York, Respondent v. William Cook, Appellant

Summary

The Court reversed the lower courts’ assessment of points under risk factor 7 of the Sex Offender Registration Act, holding that the People failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant promoted his relationships with the child victims for the primary purpose of victimization. Accordingly, the defendant’s risk level is reduced to presumptive level two. Justice Garcia dissented, arguing that the majority’s reading improperly excludes pre‑existing relationships from factor 7.