LANCASTER, Pa. — A Lancaster man accused of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman as she died and recording the act will face trial after a judge ruled there was enough evidence for the case to proceed to county court.
Judge Andrew LeFever determined Monday that Rocky Feliciano, 35, will stand trial in the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas on 12 charges, including rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse of an unconscious person, sexual assault, and aggravated indecent assault.
Detective Ryan Burgett of the Lancaster City Bureau of Police testified that officers initially responded to Feliciano’s home in the 500 block of Hamilton Street in the early morning hours of Aug. 16, following a report of a cardiac arrest. First responders found the 34-year-old victim unresponsive and beyond life-saving measures.
Feliciano told police that he and the victim had engaged in consensual sex the night before. However, investigators found videos on his phone showing him engaging in sexual acts with the woman shortly before her death. Burgett testified that the videos, played during the hearing, showed “a slight fall and rise” of the victim’s chest but no signs of consciousness.
Assistant District Attorney Fritz Haverstick told the court there was “zero” evidence the victim consented to sex. Feliciano, who remains held without bail, was denied release after Judge LeFever cited concerns about public safety.
A Lancaster County judge ruled that the disturbing case will move forward as prosecutors prepare for trial.