Victim in sexual abuse of a minor case asks not to move forward with trial

The victim in a sexual assault of a minor case set for a jury trial this coming April 29 has asked the prosecution not to move forward with trial.

Last week, assistant attorney general Frances T. Demapan—the prosecutor in the sexual abuse of a minor case against Aldin Christopher Igisaiar—asked Superior Court Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio to vacate the April 29 jury trial against Igisaiar.

According to Demapan, after extensive discussion with the victim in this case in preparation for the trial, the victim requested not to move forward with the trial.

“The decision to move forward with prosecution is based upon more than whether there is sufficient evidence to prove that the defendant violated a criminal statute,” she said. “The Commonwealth must also consider the impact of the crime on the minor victim and her wish to testify. After extensive discussion with the victim during trial preparations, the victim requests not to move forward due to the impact of this trial on her and her minor siblings.”

Kim-Tenorio, for her part, vacated the jury trial, granting the prosecution’s request to dismiss without prejudice the sexual abuse of a minor case against Igisair.

Without prejudice means the case can be refiled.

“While the Commonwealth still believes that the defendant committed the charged offenses, it must also respect the wishes of the victim and her desire to move forward with her life,” Demapan said.

Igisaiar, 45, was charged with one count of attempted sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree, two counts of sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree, and disturbing the peace.

The incident happened on or between Nov. 14, 2014, and Nov. 14, 2016, according to the information filed by the prosecution.