Multi-Count Indictment in Child Sexual Abuse Case

DELHI  – Delaware County District Attorney, Shawn J. Smith, announced today that the Delaware County Grand Jury returned an eight-count indictment against Mario A. Sierra, 20, of East Meredith, New York on May 22. 

Count One alleges Rape in the Second Degree, a Class D Felony. It is alleged that Sierra, on or about July 14, 2024, being eighteen (18) years old or more, did engage in sexual intercourse with a person less than fifteen (15) years old, in the City of Oneonta, County of Otsego.

Count Two alleges Criminal Sexual Act in the Second Degree, a Class D Felony. It is alleged that Sierra, on or about July 14, 2024, being eighteen (18) years old or more, did engage in oral sexual conduct with a person less than fifteen (15) years old, in the City of Oneonta, County of Otsego.

Count Three alleges Rape in the Second Degree, a Class D Felony. It is alleged that Sierra, on or about July 2024, being eighteen (18) years old or more, did engage in sexual intercourse with a person less than fifteen (15) years old, in the City of Oneonta, County of Otsego.

Count Four alleges Rape in the Second Degree, a Class D Felony. It is alleged that Sierra, on or about July 2024, being eighteen (18) years old or more, did engage in sexual intercourse with a person less than fifteen (15) years old, in the Town of Meredith, County of Delaware. 

Count Five alleges Criminal Sexual Act in the Second Degree, a Class D Felony. It is alleged that Sierra, on or about July 2024, being eighteen (18) years old or more, did engage in oral sexual conduct with a person less than fifteen (15) years old, in the Town of Meredith, County of Delaware. 

Count Six alleges Rape in the Second Degree, a Class D Felony. It is alleged that Sierra, on or about July 2024, being eighteen (18) years old or more, did engage in sexual intercourse with a person less than fifteen (15) years old, in the Town of Meredith, County of Delaware.

Count Seven alleges Rape in the Second Degree, a Class D Felony. It is alleged that Sierra, on or about July 2024, being eighteen (18) years old or more, did engage in sexual intercourse with a person less than fifteen (15) years old, in the Town of Meredith, County of Delaware.

Count Eight alleges Rape in the 2nd Degree, a Class D Felony. It is alleged that Sierra, on or about July 2024, being eighteen (18) years old or more, did engage in sexual intercourse with a person less than fifteen (15) years old, in the Town of Meredith, County of Delaware.  

As with all cases involving minors, the identity of the victim is being withheld per office policy.

Sierra appeared in the Delaware County Court on May 23, 2025, for the purpose of an arraignment. Acting County Court Judge, Gary A. Rosa set bail in the amount of $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond or $100,000 partially secured bond. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the Delaware County Correctional Facility, in lieu of bail.

District Attorney Shawn Smith commends Investigator Cody Tromblee of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, and Detective Amanda Catapano from the Oneonta City Police, for their thorough investigation into this serious case. DA Smith also thanks the victim advocates at Safe Against Violence for making sure the victims received appropriate support.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Richard D. Northrup Jr. presented the case to the Grand Jury.

Indictments and Criminal Complaints are allegations.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

Shawn J. Smith 

District Attorney 

Delaware County