Salem Teen Convicted of Rape

BRENTWOOD, NH - A Salem teen was convicted in court on both rape and restraint charges after an incident in May 2015, according to Rockingham County Attorney Patricia Conway.

Anthony Ortiz, 19, of Millville Street in Salem, was convicted in Rockingham County Court on April 21, 2016, of aggravated felonious sexual assault and criminal restraint in the May 28, 2015, attack of a teenage girl. He was acquitted of a single count of second-degree assault. He was accused of strangling the girl while he was forcibly holding her down in his bedroom during the attack, according to an arrest report from July 2015.

In a statement, Conway said that the prosecutors who worked the case as well as a witness coordinator were proud of the girl.

“Coming forward and talking about such a personal event is never easy,” she said. “Speaking out in front of the public and people the victim knows is even harder. I am impressed with this young lady’s strength and perseverance. We are pleased the jury returned the verdicts it did.”

Conway also commended the Salem Police Department and thanked Detective Michael White for their investigation and assistance with the case.

“The teenager was incredibly brave and courageous throughout the entire process,” Conway noted. “No person should ever be subjected to rape. Sexual violence is unacceptable and anyone who commits rape in Rockingham County will be dealt with severely within the confines of the law.”

Ortiz’s bail was revoked and he is currently being held in the Rockingham County House of Corrections. He faces more than 10 years in prison at sentencing.