(Hartford, CT) - Sharmese L. Walcott, Hartford Judicial District State’s Attorney, announced today that a jury on March 20, 2026 found Aaron Stiles, age 24, of Enfield, guilty of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-71 (a)(10), Sexual Assault in the Third Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-72a (a)(1), and Unlawful Restraint in the First Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-95.
Evidence introduced at trial showed that the 16-year-old victim was enrolled as a student at a martial arts studio in Enfield where the defendant, then 21 years old, was employed as a certified instructor. The jury heard testimony describing a sustained pattern of sexually inappropriate conduct over a period of time, including a specific incident in May 2022 during which the defendant followed the victim into a changing area at the studio, restrained her by the throat, and assaulted her.
Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Danielle O’Connell prosecuted the case with the assistance of Inspector Carlos Ocasio and Paralegal Specialist Kelly Randall. The Honorable Nuala E. Droney presided over the trial.
State’s Attorney Walcott would like to extend her gratitude to the victim and her family for their resolve during the court process and to the trial team for the dedication to the case and perseverance in navigating through the trial.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 15, 2026 in Hartford Superior Court.