(Hartford, CT) - Sharmese L. Walcott, Hartford Judicial District State’s Attorney, today announced that a jury in Hartford Superior Court on January 14, 2026 found James Celesk, age 45, of East Windsor, guilty of one count of Sexual Assault in the First Degree in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-70(a)(2), two counts of Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-73a(a)(1)(A), two counts of Illegal Sexual Contact in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-21(a)(2), three counts of Risk of Injury to a Child in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53-21(a)(1), and one count of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-117(a)(1)(A).
According to evidence introduced at trial, two juvenile victims disclosed to a state Department of Children and Families (DCF) investigator that between the years 2015 to 2020, the defendant sexually assaulted them. A third juvenile victim also disclosed that the defendant was physically abusive during that same time period. The juvenile victims were between the ages 5 and 8 during the time of the incidents. DCF authorities notified the East Windsor Police Department of the allegations and an investigation ensued. During forensic interviews, the victims reported that the abuse would occur while their mother was working and they were alone with the defendant.
The Honorable Judge Joseph B. Schwartz presided over the trial. Sentencing is scheduled for April 27, 2025 at Hartford Superior Court.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Samantha Magnani, Assistant State’s Attorney Stacey Cox, Inspectors Joseph Buyak and Thomas Steck, and Paralegal Specialist Lakisha Malave.
State's Attorney Walcott would like to thank the trial team for their hard work and dedication to the case involving multiple victims. “These cases are difficult and this team came together to seek justice for the victims,” State’s Attorney Walcott said.
State’s Attorney Walcott also would like to thank Tails of Joy for their presence and bringing comfort to a very uncomfortable environment.