Man Convicted Of Sexual Assault As A Teen In 2009

Dariel Martinez, 20, with a last known address of 131Morin Heights Blvd., Woonsocket, has been found guilty by a Providence County Superior Court jury of one count of first degree sexual assault where the victim was physically helpless in 2009.

The jury delivered the guilty verdict after deliberating six hours after a seven-day trial presided over by Superior Court Justice Kristin E. Rodgers, according to Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin's office.

During the trial, the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on June 17, 2009, Martinez, who was a junior at Woonsocket High School, sexually assaulted an intoxicated and physically helpless Woonsocket high school senior.

At a house party, attended by both the victim and Martinez, the victim became intoxicated and was put in an empty bedroom by some friends to rest.  Prior to the assault, the defendant was seen trying to enter the bedroom and was directed by partygoers to stay out of the room.

Later that evening, Martinez and another male entered the bedroom in which the victim was sleeping.  The unidentified male held the bedroom door shut while Martinez admittedly performed cunnilingus on the victim who was unconscious. 

A friend of the victim was able to gain entrance to the bedroom where she witnessed the defendant engaged in the sexual act.  The friend screamed at Martinez, who stopped and was removed from the party.

The following day, the victim reported the incident to the Woonsocket Police and was examined at Landmark Medical Center, where a rape kit was performed.

Upon arrest and questioning by the Woonsocket Police, Martinez admitted to the sexual act but offered a defense of consent.

Martinez, who was 17 at the time of the incident, was waived out of Family Court and tried as an adult in Superior Court.  He remains on home confinement pending sentencing, which is scheduled for Jan. 18, 2013.

Woonsocket Detective (Ret.) Ronald LaBreche led the investigation with assistance from Woonsocket Police Officer Joseph Zinni.  Special Assistant Attorney General and chief of the Child Abuse Unit Shannon Signore prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General.