FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2019
Jury Finds Slidell Man Guilty of Raping and Molesting a Juvenile
COVINGTON—District Attorney Warren Montgomery announces that a St. Tammany Parish jury found Otto Alfaro, 64, of Slidell, guilty Friday, as charged, of aggravated rape and molestation of a juvenile under the age of 13.
The defendant faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence for aggravated rape. He also faces a minimum of 25 years to 99 years for the molestation charge, with at least 25 of those years without the benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence. He is scheduled for sentencing before District Judge August J. Hand on Oct. 9.
Alfaro repeatedly sexually abused the juvenile in both Jefferson and St. Tammany parishes over the course of several years. The abuse began with fondling when the juvenile was 6 years old and progressed over several years.
Alfaro attempted to avoid authorities for several months by sleeping in his car in other parishes. While on the run, Alfaro attempted to apologize to the victim and to get her to forgive him for what he had done to her. The victim was also under severe pressure from those close to Alfaro to recant or change her story so that the defendant could avoid arrest and prosecution.
Ultimately, the victim never wavered in her allegations against the defendant, despite five hours of cross examination by defense counsel.
“This case was a great example of how multiple organizations work together to form a safety net for children in need,” District Attorney Warren Montgomery said. “The organizations that should be applauded for maintaining the safety of this child are the Department of Children and Family Services, The Children’s Advocacy Center Hope House, the Audrey Hepburn CARE Center, the St. Tammany Parish School Board, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Holly McGinness and Casey Dieck. The defendant was represented by Nicholas Linder.