UPDATE: In a gripping court session, Child Protective Services (CPS) and police officials testified against Nicolas Engracio Damian Roberto, accused of impregnating a 13-year-old girl. This urgent trial is unfolding in Superior Court before Judge Vernon Perez, with implications that raise serious concerns about child safety and legal accountability.
The investigation began when a school referral in 2023 sparked allegations of sexual abuse against Roberto. Patience Artero, a seasoned CPS social worker, revealed that initial inquiries raised alarms but did not confirm pregnancy. “She denied being pregnant,” Artero stated, explaining that the minor initially attributed the potential pregnancy to another individual.
The case took a critical turn when the girl gave birth in November 2023, leading to a second referral on May 17, 2024. This report accused her biological mother of physical neglect and named Roberto as the father of the child. CPS intervened, placing the minor in protective custody due to the parents’ inability to provide stable support. Artero disclosed that the minor was initially housed in the Ikuma Menendez group home, then relocated to relatives after just three days.
Moreover, the court heard that the minor expressed suicidal thoughts, prompting CPS to recommend restricting contact with Roberto during hearings. Artero confirmed that the minor received necessary counseling services to address her trauma.
During the testimony, a police officer detailed the interrogation of Roberto, who was apprehended near the mayor’s office in July 2024. Officer Mark Santos Mangaliman reported that Roberto denied any sexual relationship with the minor, claiming he viewed her as family. “He did not want to look at me. He was closed off,” said Mangaliman, describing Roberto’s demeanor during the questioning.
Roberto admitted to a sexual relationship with the minor’s mother but firmly rejected any claims of intercourse with the minor. He also failed to provide documentation for a mandatory DNA test ordered by CPS, complicating the investigation.
Roberto faces four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, each categorized as a first-degree felony. He was released on a $25,000 personal recognizance bond. If convicted, he could face a life sentence in prison, a stark reminder of the grave charges he faces.
The courtroom proceedings continue to shed light on the devastating impact of these allegations, emphasizing the critical need for protecting vulnerable children. As this case unfolds, the community watches closely, grappling with the implications of child safety and justice.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information related to the case to come forward as the trial progresses. Further updates will follow as the situation develops.
