UPDATE: In a high-stakes courtroom drama, Child Protective Services (CPS) and police officials testified today regarding the disturbing case against Nicolas Engracio Damian Roberto, who is accused of impregnating a 13-year-old girl. The session, held in Superior Court before Judge Vernon Perez, reveals shocking allegations of sexual abuse that have gripped the local community.
Developing reports detail how CPS was first alerted to potential abuse in 2023 after a school referral raised alarms over rumors about the minor’s situation. Patience Artero, a CPS social worker, explained the urgency of the initial inquiry, stating, “They weren’t able to confirm if she was pregnant.” Despite the girl’s denials, she initially believed she might be pregnant due to a missed period but attributed the situation to another minor.
The case took a dark turn when a new referral surfaced on May 17, 2024, alleging physical neglect by the girl’s biological mother and naming Roberto as the father. As a direct response to these serious allegations, CPS took the minor into protective custody. “Due to the concerns of the parents’ inability to provide stable support,” Artero confirmed, the girl was placed in a group home before being moved to live with relatives after just three days.
Artero’s testimony painted a bleak picture of the minor’s mental health, stating, “She would state that she would want to harm herself.” The child has since received counseling to address these troubling thoughts.
In addition, a police officer, Mark Santos Mangaliman, provided vital insights into the investigation, recounting his formal interview with Roberto following a harassment complaint filed by the minor’s father. Roberto denied any sexual relationship with the girl, claiming he viewed her as family. However, Mangaliman noted that Roberto admitted to a sexual relationship with the girl’s mother, further complicating the web of allegations.
Mangaliman described Roberto’s demeanor during questioning: “He did not want to look at me. He was closed off, arms crossed.” The officer revealed that Roberto had been ordered to undergo a DNA test concerning paternity but failed to provide the necessary documentation during the interview.
This case is particularly critical as Roberto faces four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, each charge classified as a first-degree felony. He has been released on a $25,000 personal recognizance bond, but if convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison.
The community is left reeling as this case unfolds, highlighting significant concerns about the safety and well-being of minors. The trial continues, with more evidence and testimony expected in the coming days.
As the situation develops, it raises pressing questions about child protection policies and the responsibilities of those in positions of trust. Readers are urged to stay tuned for further updates as this alarming case progresses through the legal system.
