Portland assault survivor relieved as perpetrator is convicted 10 years later

Daniel Luis Cassinelli has been convicted of rape, sodomy, and sexual abuse stemming from a 2015 incident at a Portland Rite Aid store, marking a significant moment for survivor Maryann Stott. Stott expressed profound relief upon hearing the guilty verdict, stating it validated her voice and the experiences of other victims. Cassinelli faces a minimum of eight years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for July 11. The case, which went cold shortly after the incident, was revived in 2021 thanks to the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, aimed at addressing untested sexual assault kits. Stott reflected on her tumultuous life in 2015, mentioning the personal trauma she faced before the assault.

She also recounted her fears about reporting the crime, feeling that her past made her less credible. Stott hopes her conviction will inspire other survivors to come forward, emphasizing the importance of belief and support in their journeys. She expressed gratitude for the work of the police and the district attorney's office, which played a crucial role in bringing Cassinelli to justice.