.Illegal immigrants plead guilty to assault
Published: Tuesday, February 08, 2011


By WALT GOGOLYA

MIDDLETOWN - Two illegal immigrants pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of providing a teenage girl with alcohol and then sexually assaulting her.

Patrico William Matute, 36, of Clinton and Carlos Celi 29, of Guilford, making their first appearances in court since their January arrest and arraignment, made the pleas through their lawyers in Middlesex Superior Court. Celi is represented by Middletown Public Defender James McKay while attorney Norm Pattis represents Matute.

The men were arrested by Clinton police and members of the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Jan. 7. The arrests stem from a four-month investigation in which a 19-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in Clinton.

Police allege Matute had forcible sexual relations with the victim after providing her with alcohol while Celi assisted. Matute is charged with first-degree sexual assault, first-degree unlawful restraint and providing liquor to a minor.

Celi is charged with fourth-degree sexual assault, first-degree unlawful restraint and providing liquor to a minor. Immigration officials say the men are in this country illegally and now face deportation as a result of the arrests.

Matute remains held in lieu of $150,000 while Celi remains on $25,000 bond. The men return to court next month.



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