Lionel Cruz  guilty on ten counts related to child sex abuse

March 10, 2022 -Springfield- On Tuesday, March 8, Lionel Cruz was found guilty by a Hampden Superior Court Jury on ten counts relating to child sex abuse. He was found guilty on Rape of a Child (2 counts), Indecent Assault and Battery on a Child Under 14 (5 counts), Assault and Battery (2 Counts), and Intimidation of a Witness.   

The abuse of the child occurred between 2016 and 2018 when the child was under 14 years old. The trial began on March 8 with the child bravely taking the stand and providing testimony to the abuse over two days in open court.  

Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni stated, “The survivor testified and did so with poise and incredible bravery in an open courtroom and mere feet from her abuser. This act of courage and strength helped exact justice and keeps other children safe from this predator. I thank the survivor, the jury, and the members of the prosecution team, especially Victim Advocate Danielle Hultgren and Special Victim Unit Assistant District Attorney Carrie Russell.”

Lionel Cruz is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday in Hampden Superior Court.

SVU Assistant District Attorney Carrie Russell represented the Commonwealth in this case.

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