A Lancaster man was convicted Thursday of hitting a 2-year-old boy in the face and sexually abusing the boy’s mother – with the child present in a vehicle.
Luis Martinez-Colomba, 32, was found guilty of felony counts of aggravated assault of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, endangering welfare, and two related misdemeanors.
Lancaster County Judge Margaret Miller will order sentence after a background investigation.
Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Ponessa presented evidence at a four-day trial of the Aug. 22, 2018, incidents in Lancaster city.
The woman, Martinez-Colomba’s ex-girlfriend, testified about an abusive relationship that included a beating on that day and Martinez-Colomba forcing her to perform sexual acts with the toddler inside a vehicle.
Martinez-Colomba repeatedly punched the woman in her upper body as she was driving, according to testimony.
Martinez-Colomba also struck the toddler in the face, causing bleeding.
ADA Ponessa presented the jury DNA evidence from inside the vehicle.
The jury started deliberations late Thursday morning and decided the case about 2:15 p.m.
Judge Miller raised Martinez-Colomba’s bail to $750,000, which was not posted.
ADA Ponessa also presented evidence of how Martinez-Colombia hid out from police for about two weeks after the woman reported the abuse.
Martinez-Colomba hid out in wooded areas in Quarryville and Lancaster County Park. A police helicopter and K-9s were used in the search.
Lancaster city police Detective Heather Halstead filed charges.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright
