Hartford Man Guilty For Sexually Assaulting Minor: State

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford man was convicted late last week for sexually assaulting a minor several years ago, according to state authorities.

Sharmese L. Walcott, Hartford Judicial District State’s Attorney, said Monday a jury in Hartford Superior Court Friday, April 26, found Angel Cruz, 59, of Hartford, guilty of three counts of first-degree sexual assault; six counts of second-degree sexual assault; two counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and six counts of risk of injury to a minor.

According to evidence introduced at trial, on Feb. 25, 2020, the victim, now an adult, went to the Hartford Police Department to report when she was between ages 5-13, she was sexually assaulted by Cruz.

Cruz was identified as her mother’s boyfriend and the assaults happened while her mother was at work, Walcott said in a release.

Because of the statute of limitations and delayed disclosure, the charges the defendant faced were for crimes that occurred when the victim was between the ages of 12 and 13, Walcott said.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Elena Palermo with the assistance of Supervisory Inspector Emory Hightower and Inspector Thomas Steck.

Walcott thanked the Statewide Prosecution Bureau in the Office of the Chief State's Attorney for their assistance.

“The trial unit in the bureau has been invaluable in helping to ensure that we bring justice for victims in several cases such as this,” Walcott said. “Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Palermo handled the case with extreme care and concern that is greatly appreciated by the victim, her family, and me."

Cruz will be sentenced on July 17 in Hartford Superior Court.