ELIZABETHTOWN -- A Moriah man was convicted of rape after a four-day trial in Essex County Court.

The jury found Dolphus A. Trombley, 29, of Moriah guilty of felony third-degree rape and the misdemeanors of endangering the welfare of a child and unlawfully dealing with a child.

Trombley provided alcoholic beverages to a 16-year-old-girl before sexually assaulting her.

Assistant District Attorney Ellen Schell, one of the trial prosecutors, said it was difficult for the girl to talk about what happened.

"The young woman who was the victim of these crimes did an incredibly difficult thing by testifying at trial, and she did it with courage and grace. We are grateful to her that we are now able to hold this defendant accountable for his crimes. We hope this experience may be a step toward helping her heal from this trauma."

She said the victim was brave to come forward.

"If we did not have victims who were willing to go forward, despite the difficulty of talking about something this personal in front of a jury, we would never be able to hold rapists accountable. She and her family have our thanks."

County District Attorney Julie Garcia said alcohol has become a part of many sexual-assault cases.

"We are seeing an increased number of sexual-assault cases where teenage girls are being provided with alcohol before they are sexually assaulted. Raising awareness with regard to underage drinking will prevent other teenagers from being victimized in this way."

Trombley is being held in the Essex County Jail and will be sentenced by Judge Richard Meyer on June 20.

lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com