Repeated Child Sexual Abuse Sends 27-Year-Old Rochester Man to Prison

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Rochester man convicted in a criminal sexual conduct case involving a young girl has been sentenced to prison. 

See Also: Charges: Worker at Rochester Daycare Caught on Camera Abusing Infants 

He was charged in January of 2023 after pediatric staff at St. Mary’s Hospital alerted Rochester Police to a girl under the age of 12 being sexually abused. 

He entered an Alford Plea in the case last month, which means he does not admit guilt, but acknowledges there is sufficient evidence for a conviction. 

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Rochester Man Receives Multi-Year Prison Sentence for Sexual Abuse of Young Girl

The criminal complaint says the young girl told police she was repeatedly sexually assaulted by 27-year-old Zeferino Cano Rafael. 

The charges say the child told investigators that Rafael had repeatedly sexually abused her beginning in 2018 and continuing for at least two years on a nearly daily basis in Rochester. 

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, resources are available for help. Visit the RAINN website (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) or dial 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673).

The criminal complaint says the victim stated that the worst assault occurred in 2020 when she alleged that Rafael raped her. 

Rafael was charged with first and second-degree criminal sexual conduct. He entered an Alford plea to the second-degree charge in exchange for the dismissal of the first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge. 

On Monday Rafael was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison, which is the prison term mentioned in the plea agreement. 

He was given credit for 864 days already spent behind bars and is ordered to be on 10 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison sentence.