The closing arguments in Roger Molinaro’s second trial for alleged historical child sexual assault concluded Friday, March 21, in North Vancouver Provincial Court.
The trial was initially scheduled for March 17 to 19, but a fourth day was added to finalize submissions. Over four days, Crown and defence lawyers summarized arguments presented during an eight-day hearing in October, offering differing interpretations of the reliability, plausibility, and motive behind the alleged victims’ testimony.
Crown prosecutor Jason Krupa emphasized the credibility of witnesses and victims, their ability to recall specific details (or acknowledge when they could not), the close ties between their families, and the personal toll of coming forward with allegations. Defence lawyer Tony Paisana, meanwhile, argued the witnesses’ testimony was inconsistent, unreliable, and implausible, asserting the Crown had not proven Molinaro’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The alleged victims were between the ages of nine and 12 or 13, and six and 12, respectively, at the time of the purported offences. With their permission and the lifting of a publication ban in April 2024, Pique is now identifying them: Xiola Aldrich and Katelyn Pidperyhora are the complainants in the case against Molinaro.
At points throughout the four days, Aldrich and Pidperyhora left the courtroom in tears. Family members and supporters of the alleged victims held stress balls and passed tissues to one another. Throughout the trial, Molinaro sat with his head down and was joined by supporters as well.
Charges and legal history
Molinaro originally faced five charges related to Aldrich and two involving Pidperyhora.
In his first trial in November 2021, Molinaro was convicted on all seven counts and sentenced to five and a half years in August 2022. However, his legal team successfully appealed in 2023, leading the B.C. Court of Appeal to overturn the convictions on Dec. 11. One charge resulted in an acquittal, while the remaining six were ordered to a new trial.
Crown’s argument: family dynamics undercut fabrication claims
Krupa detailed disturbing allegations spanning several years in and near Pemberton, arguing the complainants’ accounts were credible despite inconsistencies.
The Crown emphasized the families’ close relationships, describing them as deeply interconnected, with shared social activities and an "open-door policy." Given these bonds, Krupa contended that fabricating allegations would carry severe consequences—damaging family ties, causing emotional harm, and risking isolation.
He suggested such deception would require "borderline sociopathic" malice, with no evidence to support that conclusion. Instead, he said, the complainants displayed genuine distress.
Defence challenges testimony credibility
Paisana focused on inconsistencies in the alleged victims’ testimony between their initial RCMP statements, the first trial, and the retrial, as well as discrepancies in family members’ accounts. He argued that given the families’ frequent interactions, it was improbable no one noticed inappropriate behaviour by Molinaro.
Regarding Pidperyhora’s allegations, the defence highlighted inconsistencies about her state of dress during one incident, the number of times a different incident occurred, and logistical implausibilities. For Aldrich’s claims, Paisana questioned the number of alleged groping incidents and the plausibility of one event occurring unnoticed.
Civil lawsuit raised as potential motive
The defence suggested financial motives, citing a civil lawsuit filed in November 2021. Paisana noted Aldrich was evasive about when she decided to sue, implying the criminal case could strengthen a civil claim.
The Crown rejected this, with Pidperyhora stating in her testimony that, “No amount of money can … fix what he’s done.” The prosecution framed the lawsuit as a means of accountability, not enrichment, noting a lawyer approached the complainants and that potential financial recovery was minimal compared to the emotional cost of coming forward.
A verdict date has not been set but is expected to be scheduled in late May at Pemberton Provincial Court.
Check back with Pique for the verdict.
