A Massachusetts man was found guilty on March 19 in Kent County Superior Court of two counts of second-degree child molestation and one count of simple assault, according to an announcement by Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. The conviction followed a four-day trial before Superior Court Justice Brian Van Couyghen.
The defendant, Carlos Vaquerano Zelaya, age 60, is being held without bail as he awaits sentencing scheduled for May 21.
Attorney General Neronha said, “Every child deserves to grow up in an environment safe from harm, and unfortunately, this victim was robbed of this by the defendant. Nevertheless, this victim demonstrated enormous bravery in coming forward and telling her story, which in turn allowed us to achieve justice on her behalf. When victims feel supported and empowered to come forward, our communities become safer. I am grateful to the West Warwick Police Department for their partnership on this case.”
During the trial, prosecutors established that Zelaya sexually assaulted a juvenile female victim known to him in 2022.
Colonel Ernest Lavigne, Chief of West Warwick Police Department said, “Because of this victim’s strength, we have held this perpetrator accountable. Thank you to the members of the West Warwick Police Department and the Office of the Attorney General who worked diligently to ensure that justice was served.”
Special Assistant Attorneys General Arthur DeFelice and Tyler Romero from the Attorney General’s Office worked with Detective Trenna Beltrami from the West Warwick Police Department during both investigation and prosecution.
