Raul Feliciano, a 63-year-old convicted sex offender from Worcester, has been charged with sexually assaulting a young girl in the basement of a church in Milford approximately two years ago, according to police and court records. Feliciano pleaded not guilty on Monday in Milford District Court to felony counts of rape of a child and indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. He was ordered held without bail.
Milford police initiated their investigation on September 9 following allegations that Feliciano sexually assaulted a girl who was around 13 years old at the time. The incident reportedly took place at Iglesia Cristiana Reino de Dios, where Feliciano served as an usher. According to the victim’s account detailed in the police report, Feliciano asked her mother if the girl could help bring water from the church’s basement storage area. While in the basement, Feliciano allegedly touched the girl inappropriately and attempted further sexual contact. The victim reportedly fled to hide in a bathroom after hearing Feliciano unbuckle his belt. She later said Feliciano warned her not to disclose the assault while she was sitting in her family’s car outside the church.
Feliciano was arrested on Friday afternoon, Milford police confirmed. In a statement, Police Chief Robert Tusino described the alleged assault as a particularly egregious crime, emphasizing the added gravity of the attack occurring in a place of worship.
Feliciano has a documented history of sexual offenses. He was convicted of rape in Worcester County Superior Court in 1993 and sentenced to ten years in prison. In 2001, he was convicted of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 in Gardner District Court. Further records indicate multiple charges related to failure to register as a sex offender over subsequent years. He is currently designated as a Level 2 sex offender by the state registry board.
Church officials did not respond to requests for comment by Monday evening. Feliciano’s next court hearing in this case is scheduled for Tuesday morning.