RAFAEL COLON-ECHEVARRIA PLEADS GUILTY TO SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR IN WICOMICO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

Wicomico County, MD - On September 16, 2024, Rafael Colon-Echevarria pleaded guilty to the charge of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the Circuit Court of Wicomico County, Maryland. The court deferred sentencing until a mandatory pre-sentence investigation and mental health assessment could be performed.

Due to his conviction, Colon-Echevarria will have to register as a Tier III Sexual Offender for life and remain under Lifetime Sexual Offender Supervision. The background of the case reveals that Colon-Echevarria engaged in the sexual abuse of a minor, aged under 10, within his household between 2015 and 2019.

Wicomico County State's Attorney Jamie L. Dykes stated, "When children are sexually abused by those whom they trust, it is a horrific crime. Such abuse is often done in secrecy and privacy, and it sometimes takes years for the survivor to process and understand what was done to them. It takes tremendous courage for a survivor to come forward and report the abuse that they have endured. Because of the comprehensive investigation and preparation of this case, and the multi-disciplinary approach employed by the Child Advocacy Center, justice has been served. I hope the outcome in this case gives the survivor relief and closure."

Among those recognized for their efforts by States Attorney Dykes was Detective D. Schultz of the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, Child Protective Services, members of the Wicomico County Child Advocacy Center, and Berks County Children's Alliance Center. Senior Assistant State's Attorney Michael Calabrese was also commended for his role in prosecuting the case and advocating for justice.