Jury convicts Massachusetts man for child molestation

AG: Rhode Island Press Releases

Filed March 20th, 2026

Detected March 24th, 2026

Summary

A Massachusetts man, Carlos Vaquerano Zelaya, has been convicted by a jury in Rhode Island for child molestation. The conviction follows a four-day trial, and sentencing is scheduled for May 21, 2026. The Attorney General's office led the prosecution in partnership with the West Warwick Police Department.

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What changed

On March 20, 2026, the Rhode Island Attorney General's office announced the conviction of Carlos Vaquerano Zelaya, age 60, for two counts of second-degree child molestation and one count of simple assault. The conviction was secured following a four-day trial in Kent County Superior Court. The defendant is being held without bail pending a sentencing hearing scheduled for May 21, 2026.

This case highlights the successful prosecution of a sexual assault against a juvenile victim. The Attorney General's office and the West Warwick Police Department collaborated on the investigation and prosecution. The outcome underscores the importance of victim support and empowerment in achieving justice. Compliance officers should note this as an example of successful criminal enforcement in the area of child protection.

What to do next

Monitor sentencing hearing for Carlos Vaquerano Zelaya on May 21, 2026.
Review internal policies related to child safety and reporting procedures.

Penalties

Sentencing scheduled for May 21, 2026. Specific penalties not detailed in the press release.

Source document (simplified)

Jury convicts Massachusetts man for child molestation

Published on Friday, March 20, 2026

Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that a Massachusetts man has been found guilty in Kent County Superior Court of child molestation.

On March 19, 2026, following the conclusion of a four-day trial before Superior Court Justice Brian Van Couyghen, a jury found Carlos Vaquerano Zelaya (age 60) guilty of two counts of second-degree child molestation and one count of simple assault.

The defendant 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 beyond a reasonable doubt 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.

Date

Fri, 03/20/2026 - 09:21