60-year-old Massachusetts man convicted of sexually assaulting female juvenile he knew in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Attorney General Peter Neronha announced that a Massachusetts man has been found guilty in Kent County Superior Court of child molestation.

On Thursday, following the conclusion of a four-day trial before Superior Court Justice Brian Van Couyghen, a jury found 60-year-old Carlos Vaquerano Zelaya guilty of two counts of second-degree child molestation and one count of simple assault.

Zelaya is currently being held without bail pending a sentencing hearing scheduled for May 21, 2026.

“Every child deserves to grow up in an environment safe from harm, and unfortunately, this victim was robbed of this by the defendant,” said Attorney General Neronha. “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, the State proved that in 2022, the defendant sexually assaulted a juvenile female victim who was known to him.

“Because of this victim’s strength, we have held this perpetrator accountable,” said Colonel Ernest Lavigne, Chief of West Warwick Police Department. “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 of the Attorney General’s Office and Detective Trenna Beltrami of the West Warwick Police Department led the investigation and prosecution of the case.