March 2, 2022 Senior Judge Richard A. Lewis sentenced 24-year-old Ricardo R. Desouza to 9 ½ -19 years for sexually assaulting two young women on August 17-18, 2020. Desouza was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and indecent assault, terroristic threats, and simple assault. A Dauphin County jury convicted Desouza, of all charges, in December of 2021. Sentencing was deferred so that Desouza could be evaluated for Sexually Violent Predator status.

The Susquehanna Township Police Department became aware, of the first assault, on August 18, 2020 when the first woman reported her assault, the morning after it occurred. The assault occurred in a hotel room. When officers secured the hotel room, they found bloody towels and blankets, broken hangers, ripped clothing, and other signs of a struggle. The evidence indicated that more than one assault occurred in the hotel room. When the first woman identified Desouza as her attacker, the Susquehanna Township Police Department posted a warrant entry on CRIMEWATCH.

The CRIMEWATCH post spurred the second woman to report her assault. In the meantime, Desouza reached out to the first victim to threaten her about reporting the assault and questioned the second victim as whether she was the one who reported his actions. These threats and messages were saved by both women and presented to detectives and the jury.

Detective Corporal Lee Tarasi investigated the first assault. Detective Kevin Scott investigated the second assault while also collecting all evidence related to both cases. Their collaboration helped them realize that the two assaults, and the evidence, were connected. Kim Sourbeer, an advocate, from the Victim Witness Assistance Program, also assisted both women throughout the entire process. Deputy District Attorney Erin Varley prosecuted the case.

During the trial, both women described their sexual and physical assaults to the judge and the jury. Their courage throughout the process was the driving force behind the case’s investigation and prosecution. Throughout the process, both women emphasized that they wanted to keep other women safe from Desouza.

During sentencing, one of the women described how difficult it was to face her abuser and talk about the sexual assault. She was worried no one would believe her, or that she would be shamed for what Desouza did to her. However, she ultimately concluded that the experience “made her stronger as a result.”

Shortly before imposing Desouza’s 9 ½ -19-year sentence, Senior Judge Richard A. Lewis called the incidents “particularly violent sexual assaults,” recognized the lifelong impact the assaults will have on the women, and noted the courage they demonstrated throughout the entire process.

If you have been physically or sexually assaulted, there are resources available to assist. Contact Victim Witness at 717-780-7075.