A jury in Norfolk, Virginia, has convicted Roberto Tomas Rodriguez Carlin of multiple charges, including rape and human trafficking, involving a teenage girl. The case stems from an incident in 2022 when Rodriguez Carlin misrepresented his age to the victim through Snapchat.
Rodriguez Carlin, who was 25 at the time, led the victim to believe he was 17. On November 5, 2022, he picked her up near her Chesapeake home and drove her to Norfolk. There, he sexually assaulted her multiple times at different locations over a period of about 12 hours before returning her home. During this time, Rodriguez Carlin instructed the victim to remain in his car and made calls suggesting others join him in abusing the teenager.
The assaults were reported by a family member five days later after the victim disclosed what had happened. Police investigations included forensic examinations that confirmed Rodriguez Carlin’s DNA on clothing worn by the victim during their encounter.
Following a trial on March 12 and 13 where evidence was presented over two days, the jury found Rodriguez Carlin guilty of several charges: rape, forcible sodomy, human trafficking, and two counts of misdemeanor consensual sex with a minor. He was acquitted of abduction with intent to defile and additional counts of rape and forcible sodomy. Judge Robert B. Rigney scheduled sentencing for July 25.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi commented on the verdict: “Mr. Rodriguez Carlin lied to, enticed, and abused a teenaged girl… We have a moral obligation to look after our children and… hold accountable the people who would hurt our children for their own ends.”
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Keith M. Proctor is handling prosecution duties while Norfolk Police Sergeant Jason E. Meyers led investigative efforts.
