This morning, the Court of Justice handled the criminal case brought by the Public Prosecutor’s Office against S. (32), a Haitian man living in Aruba, who is accused of drugging and raping a 15-year-old girl. It was understood that the Prosecutor demanded 54 months in prison for S., who apologized to the young girl’s mother present in the courtroom.
THE ACCUSATIONS The charges presented by the Prosecutor against S. are that he drugged and raped a young lady, M. (15), and committed immoral acts with her. This occurred on February 27, 2025.
SUSPECT DENIES CHARGES The Judge noted that according to police reports, S. had arranged with two others—a man also named S. and the young lady M.—to go to the beach. It is suspected that prohibited acts occurred that night where S. raped the girl. When asked what happened, S. claimed he met the other man and M. that day and asked for M.’s Instagram. He alleged that the other man and M. smoked marijuana at the beach.
The Judge interrupted S.’s statement to ask if he had sexual relations with M. S. stated that after dropping the other man at home, M. said she didn’t want to go home yet. They returned to the beach and had relations. S. insisted he did not force her, claiming she initiated the contact. He added that M. started crying afterwards, mentioning past abuse by another man. After the encounter, he took her home.
CHILD RAPE The Judge remarked that while that was S.’s side of the story, evaluating the whole case raises questions. On the early morning of February 28, 2025, M. was at IMSAN in San Nicolas under the influence of drugs. M. testified that she was given a lot of alcohol and suffered a blackout. She woke up in a room with S. in front of her and began screaming when he touched her intimately. Medical investigations confirmed abuse and a leg injury M. sustained while struggling with S.
SUSPECT RELUCTANT TO SPEAK The Judge found it strange that their stories differed so much. S. maintained everything was voluntary. Sharp questions were asked about his intentions, especially since the other man involved had warned S. that M. was only 15 years old. Evidence suggested S. insisted on pursuing her and even sent messages suggesting they keep it a secret. S. has been incarcerated since November 3, 2025.
SUSPECT APOLOGIZES During the proceedings, S. told the Judge he deeply regretted what happened and apologized to the mother and his own wife. The Judge described the case as a tragedy for both families. The Probation Service (Reclasering) recommended a special course on child abuse if a combined sentence is given.
PROSECUTOR DEMANDS 54 MONTHS The Prosecutor argued that M.’s testimony was reliable, noting she suffered a blackout from the alcohol S. provided. Forensic evidence from IMSAN supported the rape charges. The Prosecutor emphasized that S. planned to intoxicate the minor despite knowing her age. A sentence of 54 months (4 years and 6 months) was demanded, with 6 months suspended and a 3-year probation period.
DEFENSE Attorney Mr. Kock noted that S. is a first-time offender and his family is struggling financially. The verdict is scheduled for May 29, 2026.