Whether to allow previous acts as evidence under consideration
By Vicky Wedig
Staff Writer
A ruling on the admissibility of previous acts of sexual assault as evidence in a case against a Walworth man could determine whether an agreement is reached in the case.
Silverio A. Moreno, 33, is set to go on trial this week for allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in Walworth. At a pre-trial hearing Jan. 4, Public Defender Michelle Anderson said a resolution could be reached depending on the judge’s ruling on a motion she made to consider prior acts as evidence in the case.
“We are working diligently toward determining whether resolution is possible,” said Anderson.
Judge Kristine Drettwan said she would review a DVD of a victim’s statement regarding acts committed when the girl was 4 years old and determine whether that testimony can be admitted as evidence against Moreno.
Moreno is charged with repeated sexual assault of a child and four counts of causing a child younger than 13 years old to view or listen to sexual activity.
According to the criminal complaint, the 11-year-old girl described Moreno sexually assaulting her on multiple occasions over a two-year period at three residences in the Village of Walworth beginning when she was 9 years old. The girl also described incidents when Moreno showed her “inappropriate” videos on his phone of “naked people” kissing and “reproducing,” according to the complaint.
