Case from 1997 results in conviction after new investigation
Lancaster, PA — A Lancaster County jury has convicted a Caernarvon Township man in a rape case dating back to the 1990s, bringing a verdict decades after the original investigation stalled.
Roberto Rosario, 46, was found guilty April 17 of rape by forcible compulsion, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse by forcible compulsion, and sexual assault following a five-day trial.
Prosecutors said the case stems from a December 1997 incident in which the victim, then 16, was taken from a Lancaster residence to a hotel room. Testimony indicated she was given alcohol before being threatened and assaulted.
According to court proceedings, the victim reported being physically attacked and restrained during the incident before another individual entered the room, ending the assault. She later identified Rosario in a police lineup.
The case remained unresolved for years after the original investigation was disrupted. Authorities said the victim later reconnected with law enforcement, leading to renewed investigative efforts and the eventual filing of charges.
The jury reached its verdict after several hours of deliberation.
Sentencing will take place following a pre-sentence investigation.
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Key Points
- Jury convicts man in rape case dating back to 1997
- Victim was 16 at time of incident
- Case revived years later leading to trial and verdict