Leopoldo Belen Sentenced to Life for Sexual Assault

WOONSOCKET, RI — The victim ran for her life clad in a sheet. She asked a neighbor for help and called 911. That's how Leopoldo Belen was caught and charged with sexually assaulting his former girlfriend. On Monday, he was sentenced to life in prison, Atty. Gen. Peter Kilmartin's office said.

Belen, 36, of Providence, was found guilty in April. He was convicted of four counts of first degree sexual assault in connection with the 2014 crime.

He could be paroled. Besides the prison sentence, Belen was ordered to have no contact with the victim and to undergo sex offender counseling. If he ever leaves prison, he will have to register as a sex offender.

During the trial, the State proved that on April 1, 2014, Belen physically and sexually assaulted his then-girlfriend in her apartment in Woonsocket, Kilmartin's office said. She testified that Belen got angry and violent towards her after they awoke and he discovered she has previously smoked their last cigarette.

The defendant dragged the victim into the apartment’s bathroom where the assault continued. When the defendant became distracted, the victim was able to flee the apartment.

Belen was arrested later that day.

Woonsocket Police Detectives George McMann and Michael Flood led the investigation. Assistant Attorney General John Krollman and Special Assistant Attorney General Kimberly Ahern prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General.

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