Man convicted in 2020 kidnapping and rape of Springfield girl

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - A judge reached a verdict in a case we’ve been following closely since it all unfolded back in 2020 when a young Springfield girl was kidnapped and raped, prompting a state-wide amber alert.

Miguel Rodriguez is the man at the center of the case, found guilty of kidnapping and raping an eleven-year-old Springfield girl back in 2020.

All week, the judge has been hearing both sides present their case, with the prosecution even introducing new evidence, a piece of duct tape torn to shreds which was found inside Rodriguez’s car.

Shortly after closing arguments wrapped up, the judge in the case found Rodriguez guilty of kidnapping an 11-year-old girl as she walked home from her bus stop in Springfield on January 15th, 2020.

Rodriguez was found guilty on all charges, including raping a child and intimidating a witness.

He waived his right to a jury trial which means this decision laid in the hands of the judge.

This case isn’t completely over quite yet, the judge decided to wait before handing down a sentence.

“I’d like to take two weeks to schedule a sentencing hearing to give you time to draft a sentencing memorandum if that’s what you’d like to do.”

Rodriguez will reappear before the judge for that sentencing date has been set for October 12th.

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