The closing arguments in the second trial for Roger Molinaro of Pemberton begin today in North Vancouver Provincial Court.
Molinaro is facing child sexual assault charges, and the closing arguments are scheduled over March 17, 18 and 19. The final arguments were originally slated for Dec. 11 to 13, but were postponed.
Molinaro was originally convicted in November 2021 on multiple charges related to the abuse of minors and was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison in August 2022. However, in December 2023, he successfully appealed the conviction, leading to a new trial that began on Oct. 15 of last year.
His legal team argued the initial trial judge's approach to the evidence was flawed, resulting in guilty verdicts that disregarded credibility and reliability concerns regarding witness testimony. The Court of Appeal ultimately overturned the convictions on all counts, entering an acquittal on one charge and ordering a retrial for the remaining charges.
Over eight days in October, the Pemberton courtroom heard emotional testimony from alleged victims and their families, much of which mirrored testimony from the original 2021 trial. The prosecution, led by Crown counsel Jason Krupa—who also represented the Crown in the initial trial—focused on establishing the credibility of key witnesses and the close relationship they once had with the Molinaro family, emphasizing the difficulty of coming forward with allegations.
Molinaro’s defense, led by lawyer Tony Paisana, challenged the credibility of the complainants, highlighting inconsistencies in their statements, lack of specific details, and what they argued were implausible claims. Cross-examinations relied heavily on previous police statements, testimony from the original trial, and a civil suit filed by one of the alleged victims.
Molinaro, a businessman and longtime resident of Pemberton, was first arrested in April 2020 following a police investigation into historical allegations of abuse. The alleged victims were between the ages of nine and 12 or 13, and six and 12, respectively, in the periods when the alleged conduct was said to have taken place. Their identities are protected by a publication ban.
He has denied all allegations.
Check pack with Pique as the closing arguments progress.
