Commonwealth v. Ramos

After a bench trial, the defendant, Manuel Ramos, was convicted of the forcible rape of a child under sixteen, G. L. c. 265, § 22A ; assault of a child under sixteen with intent to rape, G. L. c. 265, § 24B ; and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under fourteen, G. L. c. 265, § 13B. On appeal he maintains that the trial judge erred by excluding evidence regarding his reputation for good character. We affirm.

Background. The Commonwealth filed a pretrial motion in limine to exclude character evidence. At trial, defense counsel attempted to elicit testimony from the…