Othello man convicted of sexually abusing child

RITZVILLE — A sentencing date will be announced in August in the case of an Othello man convicted Thursday of sexual assault of a child. 

Rodrigo Plascencia, 66, was convicted in Adams County Superior Court of first-degree rape of a child, second-degree rape of a child and third-degree rape of a child, according to a release from the Othello Police Department. The conviction also included findings of aggravating factors, that he was engaged in an ongoing pattern of sexual abuse of a minor, and that he used his position of trust to facilitate the crimes, the release said. 

“It is the Othello Police Department’s firm belief that and stance that it takes unimaginable courage for a child victim of a sex crime to come forward, especially when the abuser is someone they once trusted,” the release said. “These young souls are more than survivors. They are heroes and they deserve our unwavering support, respect and protection.” 

OPD expressed gratitude to the Adams County Prosecutor's Office staff and the professionals at KidsHope for their work on the case.  

“Their expertise, partnership, and their tenacity to seek justice for a child is invaluable,” the release said. 

The Moses Lake Police Department, Washington State Patrol Crime Lab, Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Kennewick and the Department of Child, Youth and Families also worked on the investigation, it said.