Volume 193 — Atlantic Reporter, Third Series

The defendant, Ricardo Romero, appealed his conviction on three counts of second-degree child molestation sexual assault. On appeal, defendant contended that the trial justice erred in admitting testimony at trial that referenced prior restraining orders against him. Furthermore, defendant argued that the trial justice erred in denying his motion for new trial. The Supreme Court determined that defendant waived his right to take issue with the admission of testimony concerning defendant's restraining orders because he failed to properly object and preserve his argument below. Moreover, the Court determined that, even if defendant did properly preserve this issue for appeal, defense counsel opened the door to the subject during his cross-examination of the witness. Finally, the Court accepted the credibility determinations of the trial justice and upheld his denial of defendant's motion for new trial. The Court was satisfied that the trial justice thoroughly explained his reasons for denying defendant's motion for a new trial. Therefore, the Court affirmed the Superior Court's judgment.