| The survivor in this case disclosed the abuse after police were called to the home in response to a separate allegation of physical violence. Although the adults in the home had not previously reported the abuse, the survivor bravely found their voice and revealed the ongoing sexual abuse they had been enduring. That strength launched the investigation that led to Ulloa’s arrest and conviction. “This verdict represents more than the successful prosecution of a criminal case; it represents the bravery of a young survivor, the tireless work of our Special Victims Unit, and our deep commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in our community,” said DA Williams. During the press conference, DA Williams underscored the District Attorney’s Office’s sustained investment in trauma-informed prosecution and survivor-centered practices. He highlighted the office’s recent two-day intensive training led by nationally recognized expert Dan Nash, as well as additional ongoing training efforts aimed at equipping prosecutors, law enforcement, and partner agencies to better identify, investigate, and prosecute sexual abuse cases. “Child sexual abuse often hides in plain sight,” Williams said. “It is our job as a system to hear what others don’t, to believe what others ignore, and to act when others won’t.” DA Williams offered special thanks to the team who brought the case to trial: • Assistant District Attorney Denisse Parrales, lead prosecutor on the case • Assistant District Attorneys Angel Varnado and Ta’Rae Owens, trial support • NOPD Child Abuse Unit Detective Mario Bravo, who led the investigation • Victim Advocate Jenna Lipscomb, who supported the survivor throughout the process • Trial Assistant Daphne Dandridge, Investigator Ronnie Puigh, and SVU Director of Special Projects Sydney Houlemard, who provided critical behind-the-scenes support The office also thanked the advocacy team at Unbound, a survivor services nonprofit, for providing long-term care and healing for survivors like the one in this case. ADA Denisse Parrales, who led the prosecution, also delivered remarks at the press conference. |