Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced that a Providence County Superior Court jury today found Daniel Mercedes, DOB 5/12/59, with a last known address of Tampa, FL., guilty of one count of first degree child molestation and one count of first degree sexual assault upon the same victim.
The jury deliberated three hours after a six day trial presided over by Superior Court Justice Susan E. McGuirl.
During the trial, the State proved that the defendant engaged in sexual intercourse with a relative, under the age of 14, between October and November 1991. The defendant also engaged in sexual penetration with the same victim, when the victim was over 14 years of age, using force and coercion, between September 1992 and December 1993.
The victim first disclosed the molestation and abuse to her Pastor and then to her mother before reporting to the police. The victim came forward and reported these incidents to the Providence Police in 2009.
Detective Theodore Michaels investigated the case for the Providence Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Stacey Veroni, Assistant Attorney General and William Trezvant, Special Assistant Attorney General handled the case for the Office of Attorney General.
The defendant has been released on bail prior to the verdict. Bail was revoked by Justice McGuirl immediately after the verdict. Sentencing has not been scheduled.