NORTHAMPTON — A 53-year-old man from Ware was convicted of 28 counts of rape and child sexual abuse on Monday following a four-day bench trial in Hampshire Superior Court.
Hampshire Superior Court Judge Charles Groce III found Angel Ramos guilty of 13 counts of aggravated rape of a child; three counts of forcible rape of a child; six counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14; two counts of aggravated intimidation of a witness; and one count each of posing or exhibiting a child in a state of nudity; trafficking a person under 18 for sexual servitude; open and gross lewdness; and assault with intent to rape.
The offenses occurred between 2018 and 2024 and involved a sole victim, according to Melissa Sippel, a spokesperson for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant District Attorneys Stephanie Jimenez and Jillian Parent prosecuted the case on behalf of the commonwealth, while Ramos was represented by attorney Bob Opsitnick of Chicopee. The victim was provided support from family service advocate Julia Wallace.
“I don’t understand it, obviously the judge saw something different,” Opsitnick said in an interview with the Gazette on Monday. “I believe there was plenty of reasonable doubt in this case.”
Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 2 p.m. in Hampshire Superior Court. Ramos is currently being held without the right to bail and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
“This conviction reflects months of dedicated investigative work and a steadfast commitment to seeking justice for the survivor,” Jimenez said in a written statement.
“Sexual abuse causes lasting harm, and those who commit these crimes should know they will be held accountable,” said Parent. “We remain committed to working with our law enforcement and advocacy partners to seek justice for survivors and protect children in our communities.”
