Lawrence Man Convicted Of Rape Of A Child By Force

Roberto Cruz, 29, of Lawrence, was found guilty yesterday afternoon in Lawrence Superior Court of three counts of rape of a child by force, and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person under 14 years of age.

The jury deliberated for about 14 hours over the course of three days before returning its verdict, following the four-day trial. Cruz was taken into custody immediately upon the jury's verdict.

Judge Leila Kern will sentence Cruz in Lawrence Superior Court on Thursday, March 10.

Essex Assistant District Attorney Karen Hopwood proved that on divers dates between 2004 - 2008, the defendant raped and indecently assaulted the victim in Lawrence.

Prosecutor Hopwood praised the investigative work of Lawrence Police Lt. Mary Bartlett, and thanked Victim/Witness Advocate Amy Snow for assisting the victim through the court process and trial.

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